SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Fahri Bici and Avni Dudi

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Solicitor-General what conclusions she has reached concerning the three paratroopers alleged to have shot Fahri Bici and Avni Dudi.

Harriet Harman: Fahri Bici and Avni Dudi were killed in Pristina in Kosovo on 2 July 1999. Three British servicemen who were part of the KFOR peacekeeping operation fired the shots that killed them. Fahri Bici had been sitting on the roof of a moving car firing a Kalashnikov automatic rifle into the air. The servicemen said Fahri Bici pointed the rifle at them after being told to drop the weapon. They said they shot at him as they feared their lives were in danger. Avni Dudi was a passenger in the car and was killed by bullets aimed at Fahri Bici. Two other passengers in the car were severely injured.
	The Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police carried out an investigation. Following consultation with the former Attorney-General, Lord Williams, the Army Prosecuting Authority sought the advice of Treasury Counsel. Treasury Counsel advised the Army Prosecuting Authority that there was no realistic prospect of conviction of the three servicemen of any criminal offences. Lord Williams accepted the view of the Army Prosecuting Authority that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Mercenaries

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to monitor and regulate companies recruiting and selling the services of mercenaries; and when he will publish a consultative paper on options for future regulation.

Peter Hain: The aim of the Green Paper, recommended by the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Report on Sierra Leone published in February 1999, is to set out options for the regulation of mercenaries and private military companies. Work on the Green Paper is continuing; the issues are complex. I am unable at present to give a specific date for publication of the paper.
	Meanwhile, guidance has been issued to British embassies requiring them to report any contact with companies which may be judged to fall within this sector.

Ministerial Visits

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit (a) Kuwait, (b) Libya, (c) the West Bank, (d) Jerusalem, (e) Albania, (f) Ukraine, (g) Denmark, (h) Chechnya, (i) Syria, (j) Egypt and (k) Jordan.

Jack Straw: I am currently considering proposals for visits to a number of countries. The House will be informed when decisions have been made.

Ministerial Visits

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  when he next plans to visit (a) Bangladesh, (b) Nepal, (c) Hong Kong, (d) North Korea, (e) South Korea, (f) Malaysia, (g) the Moluccas Islands, (h) Rwanda, (i) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (j) the Central African Republic, (k) Mozambique, (l) Nigeria, (m) Brazil, (n) Bolivia, (o) Mexico, (p) Guatamala and (q) Peru;
	(2)  when he next plans to visit (a) Anguilla, (b) the British Antarctic Territory, (c) the British Indian Ocean Territory, (d) the British Virgin Islands, (e) the Cayman Islands, (f) Montserrat, (g) Pitcairn, (h) St. Helena and the St. Helena dependencies, (i) South Georgia, (j) Gibraltar and (k) the South Sandwich Islands;
	(3)  when he next plans to visit (a) the Caribbean, (b) Bermuda, (c) the Falkland Islands, (d) the Turks and Caicos Islands, (e) Canada, (f) Australia, (g) New Zealand, (h) Indonesia, (i) Turkey, (j) Saudi Arabia, (k) South Africa, (l) Chile, (m) Argentina, (n) Sudan, (o) Taiwan, (p) the UAE, (q) Iran and (r) Cuba.

Jack Straw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 June 2001, Official Report, column 78W.

Settlement Application

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the settlement application under Islamabad reference 496527.

Ben Bradshaw: The application for a settlement visa was refused by the Entry Clearance Officer at Islamabad on 17 May. Notice of appeal against the refusal was received on 12 June. It is not possible to predict when the appeal will be heard by the Immigration and Appellate Authority, nor the eventual determination.

DEFENCE

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel took part in experiments at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down in 2000.

Lewis Moonie: During 2000 a total of 19 service volunteers participated in studies conducted at CBD Porton Down. A further 25 RAF service volunteers participated in a CBD study conducted at RAF Honington in 2000.
	Thirty five civilian volunteers also took part in the human volunteer programme at Porton Down during 2000.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of the titles and dates of films held by the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, which record the establishment's trials with biological warfare simulants in public places since 1971.

Lewis Moonie: No. The Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down has been unable to identify any films recording trials with biological warfare simulants in public places since 1971.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instruct the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to conduct research to determine the long-term effects of a single dose of the oripavine derivative TL 2636 on the health of humans.

Lewis Moonie: No. The current evidence suggests that following single, acute doses of the oripavine derivative TL 2636 there are no long-term effects on health. The conduct of a study is, therefore, not warranted.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the comprehensive survey of the service volunteer programme at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, announced on 1 May will examine allegations that service personnel were misled into taking part in experiments at Porton Down.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1 May 2001, Official Report, columns 550–51W.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department will transfer films from the archives of the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to the Imperial War Museum.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 May 2001, Official Report, column 196W.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of technical reports compiled by the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, to record the results of trials carried out between 29 September 1975 and 21 October 1975 in which two simulants were disseminated from the Fleet Tender Cockchafer in Lyme and Weymouth bays.

Lewis Moonie: I am withholding copies of the technical reports under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the protocol drawn up by the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to carry out the experiment in 1989 in which service personnel were exposed to sarin nerve gas.

Lewis Moonie: Yes.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many papers in the MRD report series of technical papers produced by the biological defence establishment at Porton Down are unclassified; when this series of papers (a) started and (b) finished; how many papers in this series were produced in total; and if he will place in the Library a list of the titles and dates of each of the papers in this series.

Lewis Moonie: The MRD series of reports started in 1950 and finished in 1956. Of a total of 20 papers produced during this period, five were originally unclassified. However, Defence Records are now in the process of re-reviewing all 20 reports to establish whether the original classifications still stand. If declassification is possible, reports will be transferred to the PRO. I will arrange for a list detailing these reports to be placed in the Library of the House.

Porton Down

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests he has received from Wiltshire police to assist the Operation Antler team to locate official notices which are alleged to state that volunteers were needed to take part in common cold research at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down.

Lewis Moonie: My officials were asked to undertake a full search of all service instructions and notices dealing with the Porton Down Service Volunteer Programme. In addition, we have provided research support to the Wiltshire police in examining service unit records, as well as initiating a full trawl by service units and establishments for any relevant records or historical papers.

Lynx Helicopter Accident

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when he will publish the accident report on the Lynx helicopter which crashed near Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire on 17 May 1999;
	(2)  if he will publish the preliminary findings of an investigation into the causes of the crash of a Lynx helicopter near Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire on 17 May 1999.

Lewis Moonie: The Military Aircraft Accident Summary—a report that summarises the accident report and the findings of the subsequent investigation—will be published shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.
	The Board of Inquiry proceedings were issued to the families of those killed in the accident earlier this year.

Navigation Marks

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what responsibility his Department has for the maintenance of navigation marks, with special reference to moorings and lighthouses; and what plans he has to review those responsibilities.

Adam Ingram: The Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS), part of the Warship Support Agency (WSA), is responsible for the maintenance of some 224 navigational buoys, 148 moorings and 12 targets around the coast of the British Isles. The Chief Salvage and Mooring Officer (CSALMO), also part of the WSA, is the tri-Service manager and design authority for Ministry of Defence moorings and is responsible for the oversight of all maintenance work in the UK and of a further 54 moorings and navigational buoys overseas. Responsibility for lighthouses rests with the three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) administered by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR). The GLAs are ultimately responsible through legislation for all navigational marks including those owned by the MOD.
	The Government's Better Quality Services (BQS) policy encourages a robust review of services and the opportunity has therefore been taken to explore the obvious synergy between the GLAs and the RMAS.
	Exploratory meetings with the GLAs have led to Trinity House, acting on behalf of the three GLAs and with the authority of the DTLR, making an offer for the absorption and maintenance of all MOD navigational buoys in UK waters. The MOD is now assessing the GLAs' offer and an initial meeting took place on 27 June 2001. Further work is required and the MOD and the GLAs have agreed to jointly examine their operations without commitment.
	It is unlikely that any firm recommendations will be made before the end of 2001 and implementation will be subject to full consultation with staff and their representatives, as well as requiring ministerial approval in both Departments.

Aberporth

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of his Department's apprenticeships at Aberporth.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 26 June 2001
	The apprentice school at Aberporth is run by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), and is staffed by DERA personnel. On completion of their apprenticeship the great majority of apprentices are employed by DERA. As a result, the school forms part of the undertaking that is planned to become QinetiQ plc, as part of the DERA Public-Private Partnership. DERA receives a contribution from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for various aspects of the apprentice training at the school. The MOD will continue to contribute funding for the apprentices who are attending the school at the date of vesting of assets in QinetiQ plc. Discussions on the funding of future intakes of apprentices will take place during the summer between MOD, QinetiQ plc and trade union representatives, and are scheduled to conclude in September 2001.

Stun Grenades

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many stun grenades have been issued to the Army in the last 12 months; how many have been used in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months; what level of authorisation is required for use of this weapon; and what (a) rules and (b) guidance applies to its use;
	(2)  who has authorised the use of stun grenades in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

Adam Ingram: The use of stun grenades must be reasonable, proportionate and no more than absolutely necessary in the circumstances. The service personnel concerned are fully trained in how to use them. I am withholding details of numbers, use, level of authorisation and rules of engagement under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

RAF Training Group Defence Agency

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent agreement between his Department and the Horizon consortium to market spare training capacity in the RAF/Training Group Defence Agency.

Adam Ingram: The RAF has identified some unavoidable surplus training capacity, particularly in the area of engineering training. Although the RAF has had some success in selling this capacity, it was recognised that it does not have the necessary skills to market, promote and sell opportunities presented by the spare capacity. To maximise both the potential use of the capacity and income generation, the RAF has sought a commercial partner to provide the expertise required.
	The Agreement for the Marketing Partnering Arrangement between the RAF and the Horizon consortium, consisting of BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Westland Augusta, PERA and Bournemouth and Poole College, was signed on 30 May 2001. The agreement is for seven years.
	In addition to increasing the income received from selling training capacity, the partnership will help to meet the increasing aerospace industry demand for technician training.

East Timor

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces are operating in and around the East Timor theatre; and what their role is within the United Nations contingent.

Adam Ingram: Four British observers are currently deployed in support of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Their roles typically include observation, monitoring and reporting; registration and negotiation between belligerent factions and other agencies. In addition, an Army legal officer has recently been seconded to the Office for Defence Force Development (ODFD) to assist with the development of the new East Timorese Defence Force (ETDF).
	Two British servicemen currently serving on exchange programmes with the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces are also deployed to East Timor with their host units.

WORK AND PENSIONS

New Deal

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Coventry are in the New Deal programme; and how many had been placed in employment up to June.

Nick Brown: The information is in the table.
	
		Numbers currently on new deal and jobs gained in Coventry
		
			  Numbers currently on as at end March 2001 Jobs gained to March 2001 
		
		
			 New Deal for Young People 505 1,836 
			 New Deal for Long Term Unemployed aged 25+ 138 87 
			 New Deal for Lone Parents 632 559 
			 New Deal 50plus: Employment Credit 202 282 
			 New Deal for Musicians 11 3 
			 New Deal for Partners 8 1 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures relate to Coventry 'Unit of Delivery'.
	2. Latest figures relate to the period ending March 2001 which were reported in the May Statistical First Release for New Deal for Young People/25 plus and June First Release for New Deal for Lone parents.
	3. New Deal 50 plus figures relate to clients claiming the Employment Credit only. Figures relating to the numbers on the ND50 plus caseload are not available.
	4. Jobs gained includes those who gain a job while accessing New Deal or as an immediate destination on leaving the programme.
	5. New Deal for Disabled People is being piloted in various districts. Coventry is not included in the pilot scheme.
	Source:
	The New Deal Evaluation Database; except for figures on New Deal for Partners which is collated from management information.

Pensioners (Preserved Rights)

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners with preserved rights who are ineligible for local authority support.

Ian McCartney: Estimates of the numbers of pensioners with preserved rights who are ineligible for local authority support are not available.

Pension Credit

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the way in which the Pension Credit will operate for claimants whose entitlement to the basic state pension is below 100 per cent.

Ian McCartney: The Pension Credit forms a key part of the Government's overall strategy for tackling pensioner poverty.
	We are completing the design of the Credit and will publish details of our proposals when the Bill is introduced.

Pension Credit

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library (a) a summary and (b) full copies of the replies he has received to his consultation paper on the Pension Credit.

Ian McCartney: We will be announcing our response to the Pension Credit consultation in due course.

Pension Credit

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the Pension Credit Bill.

Ian McCartney: As indicated in the Gracious Speech, we intend to introduce legislation in this Session of Parliament.

Pension Credit

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people eligible for Pension Credit.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to "The Pension Credit: A consultation paper" (November 2000, Cm 4900).

Pension Credit

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the results of and submissions to the Pension Credit consultation process will be placed in the Library.

Ian McCartney: We will be announcing our response to the Pension Credit consultation in due course.

Benefit Claimants

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to extend the provision to permit benefit claimants to undertake therapeutic work.

Malcolm Wicks: As the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for City of York (Mr. Bayley), said on 22 March 2001, Official Report, column 346W, from April 2002 we propose to introduce new rules for people who receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support based on incapacity who want to undertake some form of paid work which may ease their way back into full-time employment. We are aware of concerns that the current therapeutic work rules may be of limited use where it is difficult to demonstrate that a particular job would be beneficial to a person's medical condition. The current rules also do not help someone who wants to work on a limited basis in order to have social contact if they do not satisfy the therapeutic requirement. This is why we have reviewed the current position and are introducing some improvements.
	Under the proposed changes, the therapeutic work rules will cease to exist. Instead we intend to introduce rules which will allow any person receiving incapacity benefits to:
	(a) work for less than 16 hours a week and up to £60.50 for up to six months; with a six month extension for those working with a Personal Adviser, Job Broker or Disability Employment Adviser;
	(b) work for maximum earnings of £20 a week with no time limit and no hours limit.
	Claimants who undertake sheltered work or are undergoing a hospital treatment programme which includes work, will, as now, be able to earn up to £60.50 a week (April 2001 rates) with no limit on the number of hours they work.
	We believe that these rules are much fairer than those that currently exist. Because we are opening up the rules to anyone on incapacity benefits we are giving more people the opportunity of trying paid work. This, together with our other measures to help people find suitable work, will enable people to move off benefits and into work. Also by allowing all claimants to do some paid work without time limit, we will be encouraging those who are otherwise excluded to take part in activities which will help them feel part of, and play a more active role in, their local community. Additionally, of course, there are the rules which we already have in place to allow claimants to try full-time work or training and return to benefit at the same rate if they have to give up that work or training.
	These changes do not affect the position whereby people receiving Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance may do unpaid voluntary work for an unlimited period.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which House of Commons Minister in his Department will have responsibility for matters relating to (a) the Child Support Agency, (b) the integrated child credit, (c) child care, (d) maternity/paternity pay and (e) the Appeals Service.

Malcolm Wicks: Departmental ministerial responsibility for these areas in the House of Commons is divided as follows: I am responsible for the Child Support Agency and the Integrated Child Credit; the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Maria Eagle), is responsible for Maternity/Paternity pay and the Appeals Service. The Department for Employment and Skills has policy responsibility for child care.

Minimum Income Guarantee

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase take-up of the Minimum Income Guarantee.

Ian McCartney: Our recent national take-up campaign on the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) was a success resulting in 110,286 successful claims to MIG. The average additional income awarded is £20 per week.
	We have also increased the lower and upper capital limits to £6,000 and £12,000 respectively. These increases will result in more people becoming newly entitled to MIG and will increase the number of people who will become entitled to the full amount of the MIG.
	Additionally, we will continue to work in partnership with the voluntary sector and local authorities to find ways of identifying and encouraging those who are likely to benefit from MIG to claim.

NIRS2

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the total amount of compensation 
	(1)  that he expects to be paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system;
	(2)  that has so far been paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	The delay in the implementation of NIRS2 caused arrears of work in both the Inland Revenue and the then DSS. These arrears are being managed through a recovery plan that has been developed by both Departments and continue to be cleared as quickly as possible. Compensation is being paid as a result of the delays.
	Compensation payments to 31 March 2001 total £65.1 million. The estimated compensation costs for 2001–02 cannot yet be quantified.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

Walton Group

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide a breakdown of the companies and others to whom the claimed qualifying expenditure of £23,705,511 made by Walton Commercial Group Ltd. now Walton Group plc, was made, indicating the reasons for payment and the amount paid to each.

Sally Keeble: The claimed qualifying expenditure was paid to Todd and Benn (Contractors) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Walton Group plc, against invoices for work claimed to be done on the Exchange Flags building, Liverpool.

Pollution

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has conducted into changes in pollution following the implementation of congestion taxes.

Sally Keeble: My Department will be working with local authorities when they develop and implement schemes, to carry out before and after studies to assess schemes' impacts, including changes in levels of air pollution. Modelling work for the Government's 10-Year Plan for Transport published in July 2000 forecasts significant reductions in particulate and oxide of nitrogen emissions by 2010 from a range of measures in the plan, including the introduction of urban congestion charging in a number of towns and cities.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if Railtrack has applied to the Rail Regulator for an interim review of its access charges.

John Spellar: Railtrack has not made any application to the Rail Regulator for an interim review.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of delays to train services during the most recent month for which figures are available are attributable to temporary speed restrictions associated with gauge corner cracking.

John Spellar: Railtrack's Network Performance Report for the four-week period to 26 May 2001 shows that 6 per cent. of delays were attributable to gauge corner cracking. This includes both passenger and freight services.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many temporary speed restrictions remain in place on the national railway network in connection with gauge corner cracking.

John Spellar: Railtrack reports that, as of 25 June, 118 temporary speed restrictions were in place on the national rail network in connection with gauge corner cracking.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in the appointment of a public interest director to the board of Railtrack.

John Spellar: As part of the Statement of Principles agreed between the Government and Railtrack, the company announced on 2 April the decision to appoint, in consultation with Government, a non-executive director to its main board with the background and credentials to provide a powerful public and consumer interest voice around the boardroom table. The appointment of such a director is currently under review by the nominations committee of the Railtrack Board.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money has been granted to Railtrack from public funds over the past year; and what contractual safeguards exist to ensure that the money is used for its intended purposes.

John Spellar: In 2000–01, train operating companies (TOCs) were paid £847 million in Support for Passenger Services (SPRS) by the Franchising Director and the Strategic Rail Authority and £185 million in grants by Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs). Since some 85 per cent. of Railtrack's income is paid to the company by TOCs in access charges, Railtrack's revenue is contingent on that indirect subsidy.
	In future, Railtrack will also receive considerable sums in direct grants for track renewals. As part of the Statement of Principles agreed on 2 April between the Government and Railtrack, the Government agreed to bring forward the timing of £1.5 billion of payments due to the company under the Periodic Review. In doing so, the Government have attached strict conditions of increased public accountability and Railtrack has undertaken to spend the Government revenues strictly on improving the railway. A copy of the Statement of Principles has been placed in the Library. None of this new funding has yet been paid.
	The main safeguard in respect of all subsidy to Railtrack is the Network Licence and the conditions attached to it by the Rail Regulator. The Regulator's reformed regulatory structure is nearing completion. It comprises the Periodic Review; a strengthened network licence; and new model clauses for clearer and simplified track access agreements with Railtrack's customers, the passenger and freight train operators. The Transport Act 2000 has also strengthened the regulation and accountability of Railtrack. The Regulator now has the powers and resources to ensure that Railtrack delivers on its public service commitments.

Railtrack

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the financial position of Railtrack.

John Spellar: Railtrack is a public limited company. Its latest financial position is set out in its 2000–01 Annual Report and Accounts published on 20 June.

Commission for Integrated Transport

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future role of the Commission for Integrated Transport.

John Spellar: The Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) was established in July 1999 to provide independent advice on the implementation of integrated transport policy. Its remit was set out in the Integrated Transport White Paper.
	CfIT has been asked to monitor progress on the implementation of the 10-Year Plan for Transport, and to identify any further policy measures that might be needed to achieve 10-Year Plan objectives.
	At the CfIT Plenary on 22 March 2001 it was decided that the three priority areas for CfIT were to be:
	Monitoring, Delivery and Review of the 10-Year Plan
	Work on securing best value for public subsidy in the bus industry
	European best practice.

Rail Freight

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps are being taken by his Department to promote the greater use of the railways for freight.

John Spellar: Our policy is to help establish an integrated, sustainable freight distribution system to support economic growth and to bring social and environmental benefits. We set out our long-term strategy in the 10-Year Transport Plan in July last year. We have established the Strategic Rail Authority with a duty to promote rail freight. The SRA set out its Strategic Agenda, including its plans for freight, earlier this year and is now consulting the industry on its detailed Freight Strategy.

National Air Traffic Services

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in the contract negotiations for the National Air Traffic Services public-private partnership.

John Spellar: The PPP remains subject to certain conditions. We are working with the Airline Group to ensure that those conditions are satisfied at the earliest opportunity.

SPADs

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Uff-Cullen inquiry into technical solutions to the problem of railway signals passed at danger.

John Spellar: The Government welcomed the publication on 29 March of the Joint Inquiry Report by Lord Cullen and Professor Uff into train protection systems and reaffirmed the Deputy Prime Minister's undertaking to Parliament on 20 July 2000, Official Report, columns 549–52, that the measures arising from the report will be brought within the 10-Year Plan for Transport.
	The report endorsed the Government's existing policy to install the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) across the network by the end of 2003, and set out a programme for the new European Train Control System (ETCS) on high-speed and other main lines.
	The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) will be advising the Government on regulations to take ETCS forward and will publish a progress report in September.

Railway Industry

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the state of industrial relations in the railway industry.

John Spellar: Industrial disputes are properly matters for the employers and the trade unions to resolve.
	Successful negotiation between the train operators and the trade unions avoided strike action in all but one of the 25 train operating companies on 25 June. We would greatly regret any possible further industrial action on the railway which would cause yet more inconvenience to passengers.

Strategic Rail Authority

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the Strategic Rail Authority to (a) begin the next stage of the competition for the new Wales and Borders franchise and (b) recommence the competition for the Central Trains franchise.

John Spellar: Further announcements will be made by the Strategic Rail Authority in due course.

Strategic Rail Authority

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many additional employees have been recruited by the Strategic Rail Authority during the past year.

John Spellar: On 1 June 2000, 261 people were working at the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA), which comprised the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and British Railways Board staff.
	The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) was set up on 1 February 2001 under the provisions of the Transport Act 2000 , with 330 staff. This included 259 from the sSRA and, to cover additional functions transferred on that date, 70 from the Office of the Rail Regulator (including those working for Rail Passengers Committees) and one from the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The SRA also took responsibility for the 2,297 British Transport Police.
	On 1 June 2001, 362 people were working at the SRA.

Second Channel Tunnel

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made on the feasibility study for a second channel Tunnel.

John Spellar: At the end of 1999 Eurotunnel sent to the Governments of France and the UK, through the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission, a package relating to two tunnel projects, one road the other rail. Eurotunnel submitted that package in order to discharge an undertaking in the Concession Agreement to submit, before 2000, a proposal for a drive through link.
	Eurotunnel described these as proposals which are likely to evolve in the light of technical and economic developments. There is no cause for the Government to take a decision for several years.

Multi-modal Studies

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the multi-modal studies.

John Spellar: The Multi-Modal Studies are looking for solutions to some of the most severe and urgent problems on our transport network. They exemplify our integrated approach to transport and will be central to the delivery of the 10-Year-Plan.
	We are moving the studies forward as quickly as possible, bearing in mind their complex nature and the need for full and proper consultation.

Midlands-Manchester Multimodal Study

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will ensure that the conclusions of the multi-modal study into the transport corridor between the midlands and Manchester are published in time to be taken into account in the formulation of the new regional planning guidance for the west midlands.

David Jamieson: The final study report and the Steering Group recommendations will be formally submitted to the West Midlands Regional Planning Body and the North West Regional Assembly in autumn 2001. Interim outputs from the study will be available this August to inform the development of the draft West Midlands Regional Planning Guidance due for publication in autumn 2001.

Ladbroke Grove Rail Disaster

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will respond to the recommendations of Lord Cullen's inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster.

John Spellar: My right hon. Friend responded to Part One of Lord Cullen's report in a statement issued on 19 June, the day of its publication. The statement reads:
	"I am grateful to Lord Cullen for today's report into the causes of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash. On such a day our thoughts turn to the survivors and bereaved of that tragic accident. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering felt by these people and it is important that we bear their experiences in mind as we act to improve rail safety in this country.
	Safety is paramount and at the very heart of our policies on revitalising the railways. Our railways are safe, but we must never be complacent. Safety is a matter of continual improvement and I have asked the HSC to ensure that the recommendations are acted upon, and to report to me within six months.
	I now await the final part of Lord Cullen's report into the culture, management and regulation of safety on the railways. This will be a particularly valuable document which will enable us to take the further necessary measures to enhance rail safety."

Bus Companies

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to encourage bus companies in the south-east of England to offer commuter services to London; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The 10-Year Transport Plan recognises that coach services have a valuable role in expanding transport options including for commuting journeys into major cities. Coach services will benefit from increased investment in the strategic road network, including measures to tackle bottlenecks and improve network management.
	The public consultation draft of the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy said that additional commuter and scheduled express coach services on particular routes could fulfil a valuable role in supplementing rail capacity. It said that Transport for London would work with coach operators to review opportunities for extending the role of commuter coaches, taking account of traffic and parking issues. I understand that the Mayor will publish his final Transport Strategy shortly.

Housing

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his definition is of decent in the context of housing standards.

Sally Keeble: A decent home must be above the current statutory minimum standard for housing (the fitness standard); be in a reasonable state of repair; have modern facilities and services; and provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
	Guidance has been issued providing more detail for social landlords on how the elements of the definition should be interpreted. A copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Housing

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the target outputs for SRB-funded housing units between 1997 and 2001.

Sally Keeble: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 26 June 2001, Official Report, column 56W.

Housing

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to encourage housing associations to improve the energy efficiency of their (a) existing properties and (b) new build schemes; what plans he has to support district heating schemes; and what plans he has to encourage housing associations to use solar energy in new build social housing.

Sally Keeble: My Department, together with the Housing Corporation, is taking a number of measures to improve the energy efficiency of registered social landlords' (RSLs) properties.
	For existing properties, the Housing Corporation's Performance Standards require RSLs to assess the energy efficiency of their housing stock and, through planned improvement work, to help local authorities to meet their obligations under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995.
	The Housing Corporation is also promoting the adoption of sustainable development action plans in the RSL sector. These will require RSLs to adopt environmental good practice across a range of activities including refurbishment, management and maintenance of their existing stock. An environmental management system specifically designed for RSLs is being developed and will be launched later this year. In addition, the Housing Corporation's Innovation and Good Practice (IGP) programme will continue to fund projects that raise awareness of environmental considerations. A number of good practice guides and tools to help RSLs address energy management for affordable warmth and energy services has already been developed.
	For new build schemes and the rehabilitation of existing dwellings, the Housing Corporation's Scheme Development Standards specify a minimum Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy rating which must be achieved. In its guidance the Corporation strongly encourages the achievement of SAP ratings above the minimum level.
	In addition, from 1 April this year, RSLs have been required to use a recently developed system of Housing Quality Indicators (HQIs) in planning new schemes. HQIs provide a basis for assessing the quality of schemes against 10 key aspects of design, including energy efficiency and sustainability.
	The Housing Corporation is investigating the potential for RSLs to use Combined Heat and Power (CHP) schemes as part of its wider promotion of energy efficiency. Most CHP schemes are on a scale which is not generally suitable for RSL properties, but the Corporation is currently participating in an EU-wide project to scope the potential for micro-CHP systems. We will consider the scope for greater use of CHP in relation to RSL properties in the light of the fundings in this report.
	The Housing Corporation is actively encouraging RSLs to consider the use of Photovoltaic (PV) roofs and solar water heating. A number of RSLs now use these systems and a network of RSLs with an interest in PV roofs is being established to address areas of concern and to develop good practice guidance on the use of PV roof and solar water heating systems within the sector. However, at present the costs are high with conventional systems.

Housing (Yorkshire)

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what further changes he is intending to make to regional planning guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber about the distribution of housebuilding in west Yorkshire.

Sally Keeble: Over 800 comments have been received in response to the proposed changes to draft Regional Planning Guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber which were published in March 2001. Many of the consultation responses welcome the proposed changes as they improve RPG and provide a clear strategy for sustainable development in the region. An issue has been raised about the distribution of housing in west Yorkshire which we consider needs to be resolved by publishing further changes to RPG for public consultation.
	The level of housing provision in west Yorkshire published for consultation in March 2001 was 6,175 dwellings per year, some 800 more than originally proposed in the Regional Assembly's draft RPG. However, where these additional 800 houses per year should be located within west Yorkshire was not specified. Instead, it was proposed that it be established in the next review of RPG in a few years' time. The Regional Assembly and the local authorities have not objected to the proposed increase. Environmental groups have objected, while developers have expressed support or argued that provision should be further increased. There were also significant arguments put forward that the distribution of the additional housing within west Yorkshire should be determined now rather than left to the next review of RPG. In the light of all comments received, we are proposing that there should be no further change to the overall amount of housing in west Yorkshire, but that its distribution between local authorities should be set out now. This will provide greater certainty in the planning system, and will assist urban renaissance by helping to reduce the need to travel by providing homes near to jobs. The following annual rates of housebuilding are proposed:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Bradford 1,540 
			 Calderdale 450 
			 Kirklees 1,310 
			 Leeds 1,930 
			 Wakefield 950 
		
	
	Comments on these revised figures are being invited over a six week period. These will be considered, along with all the representations already received, before RPG is finalised later in the year.

Mobile Phone Masts

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to publish PPG8 on mobile phone masts.

Sally Keeble: On 16 March 2001, my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Construction announced a series of important improvements to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. We shall introduce the rules and publish the revised Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG8) on Telecommunications Development to implement the changes at the earliest opportunity.

Mobile Phone Masts

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received calling for health risks to be considered as part of the planning consideration for mobile phone masts.

Sally Keeble: The Department has received centrally in the last year 363 letters from Members of Parliament and 541 letters from members of the public and local planning authorities about the amenity or health aspects related to mobile phone masts. These are in addition to responses to last year's consultation exercise seeking views on possible changes to the planning laws relating to telecommunications masts and associated guidance (365 in total).

House Sales (Seller's Packs)

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation requiring persons selling a house to provide a pack of information to prospective purchasers.

Sally Keeble: We remain committed to seller's packs, as set out in our manifesto. Legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we are pressing ahead, in consultation with consumer representatives and the professional bodies, with developing the detailed contents of the seller's pack to prepare the ground for a smooth introduction across England and Wales.

Railways

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for how many years the Railway Development Fund will run.

David Jamieson: The 10-Year Plan for Transport provides for spending on the Rail Modernisation Fund over the years of the plan, that is to 2010–11.

Concessionary Bus Fares

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to equalise the age of qualification for the national concessionary bus fares scheme.

Sally Keeble: We are making good progress with this issue and have already introduced the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill [H.L.] which will equalise at 60 the age at which both men and women become eligible for travel concessions.

Aviation

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he intends to commission a strategic study on the environmental impacts of aviation in the UK to match the strategic study of the economic impacts of aviation included in the Developing Aviation White Paper process.

David Jamieson: In December last year we published a consultation document, "The Future of Aviation". This examined the main issues underpinning air transport policy, including the need to tackle the environmental effects of aviation. We are giving careful consideration to the responses to the consultation document and propose to publish a summary of them later this summer. Alongside the consultation document, we published a paper, "Valuing the External Costs of Aviation", which reviews some of the literature about the valuation of noise, air quality and climate change impacts and considers the implications of aviation meeting its estimated external costs.
	The study of regional airports and regional air services announced in the 1998 Transport White Paper, covering the north of England, the midlands, the south-west of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland was completed last year. The findings are currently being reviewed as part of a UK-wide Regional Co-ordination study. A key component of this process has been the commissioning of studies on the impact of air transport (including associated surface transport) on local air qualify and noise at 23 regional airports. This work will provide an important input to a comprehensive appraisal of options for development of capacity at regional airports under a range of potential national policy scenarios.
	We are also studying issues in the south-east and east of England. The South East and East of England Regional Air Service Study (SERAS) is examining all options for future development of airports in the south-east and east of England. The appraisal process includes an examination of environmental impacts, including noise and local air quality, climate change, urbanisation, land-take, biodiversity, landscape, heritage and designated areas. We propose to issue individual regional consultation documents for all these regions around the turn of the year.
	All of these strands of work will feed into the new air transport White Paper, which we hope to publish next year.

Ice Falls

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the information leaflets available to report ice falls from aeroplanes; and what plans he has to make them more widely available.

David Jamieson: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has produced a comprehensive leaflet entitled "Icefalls", which provides detailed information on how icefalls occur, how incidents can be reported and how these reports are investigated.
	Members of the public wishing to seek more information on the subject or to report an icefall incident most commonly contact either the CAA directly or the local police or council. Copies of the leaflet have therefore been supplied to the Police Service and the Local Government Association as well as to the British Airports Authority. The information in the leaflet is also available on the CAA's website for those with internet access. There are currently no further plans to make the leaflet more widely available.

Transport Safety

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what statistics he collates about the safety of different forms of transportation and the costs in each case of undertaking further measures to improve safety.

David Jamieson: The DTLR collects and publishes statistics on accidents in all main forms of transport. These can be found in a variety of publications and in the compendium volume "Transport Statistics Great Britain 2000 edition". There is also a comparative table (Table 51) in "Road Accidents Great Britain: 1999" which shows casualty rates by mode of transport since 1990 and also provides a 1990–99 average casualty rate for each mode. Both of these publications are available in the Libraries of the House. Costs depend on the measures adopted and on local circumstances.

Ordnance Survey

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the operating results of Ordnance Survey were in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: As disclosed in Ordnance Survey's annual published accounts, the operating surplus/deficit for each year since 1997 is as follows:
	
		
			  £000 
		
		
			 1996–97 (1)(5,115) 
			 1997–98 (1)(2,197) 
			 1998–99 (1)(8,862) 
			 1999–2000 (2)12,590 
		
	
	(1) Deficit
	(2) Surplus

Regional Planning

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Government plan to publish 
	(1)  a draft regional planning guidance for (a) the Nort-West and Merseyside, (b) the North-East and (c) the East Midlands;
	(2)  a definitive version of regional planning guidance for (a) the South-West and (b) Yorkshire and Humberside.

Sally Keeble: We plan to issue final regional planning guidance (RPG) for the South-West later this summer and final RPG for Yorkshire and the Humber in the autumn. The Proposed Changes to draft PRG for the East Midlands were published in April and we plan to issue the final version in the autumn. The Proposed Changes to draft PRG for the North-East were published in april and we plan to issue the final version by the end of the year. We intend to publish the Proposed Changes to draft (RPG) for the North-West in spring 2002, assuming that the Panel report is received shortly.

Postal Voting

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the use and conduct of postal voting during the general and local elections in June.

Nick Raynsford: The Electoral Commission, which was established by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, will publish a report on various aspects of the administration of the general election, in accordance with section 5 of the Act.

Local Government

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what reasons underlay the decision to publish the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Further Provisions) (England) Order 2001 on 18 June, revoke it on 19 June and publish the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Other Provisions) (England) Order 2001 on 19 June.

Nick Raynsford: The Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Further Provisions) (England) Order 2001 was laid before Parliament on 19 June 2001 and expressed to come into force on 20 June 2001, thus breaking the convention that negative resolution statutory instruments come into force at least 21 days after being laid before Parliament.
	Unfortunately, it had not been the Government's intention to break the convention. Accordingly, the Order was revoked and replaced with an Order in similar terms—the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Other Provisions) (England) Order 2001—with a date of coming into force of 11 July, which is 21 days after it was laid. This means that all the necessary legislation is now in place to allow councils to implement the leader and cabinet form of executive arrangement.

Departmental Responsibility

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the areas of responsibility that have (a) been transferred from his Department to other Departments and (b) been transferred to his Department from other Departments since 8 June.

Alan Whitehead: The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) came into existence on 9 June 2001. It will carry out all the functions for which its predecessor Department, the Department of the Environment. Transport and the Regions (DETR) was responsible except:
	Sustainable development, environmental protection and the protection and enhancement of the landscape, countryside and wildlife, together with related sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
	The Regional Co-ordination Unit and Government Offices for the Regions, bodies with cross-departmental responsibilities for which DETR had management responsibility, transferred to the Cabinet Office.
	Sponsorship of the construction industry transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry.
	Sponsorship of the Regional Development Agencies transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry.
	Electoral law and local byelaws, including sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to DTLR from the Home Office.
	The Fire Service, including its sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to DTLR from the Home Office.

Fire Authorities

Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's current responsibilities in respect of funding for fire authorities.

Alan Whitehead: My Department has the same responsibilities as were formerly held by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for the revenue support grant system and as the Home Office for the issue of fire service credit approvals.

Positive Discrimination

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent advice he has taken from other European countries which allow positive discrimination in the selection of candidates for elected office.

Nick Raynsford: Government officials recently attended a seminar aiming to examine what can be learned from legal frameworks in other European countries in regard to changing the law to improve women's representation in politics.
	The Government will be preparing legislation to allow political parties to make positive moves to increase the representation of women in public life.

Council Tax

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to allow residents to elect to pay their council tax by 12 payments rather than 10.

Alan Whitehead: The statutory instalment scheme gives council tax payers the right to pay their council in 10 monthly instalments. However, local authorities can agree to a different payment regime, such as 12 monthly payments or 52 weekly payments. I believe it is right that local authorities should be able to make such decisions in response to individual or local circumstances because they are ultimately answerable to local people for the service they provide.

HEALTH

Waiting Times

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) longest and (b) shortest waiting times were for (i) heart operations, (ii) hip replacements and (iii) cancer treatment (A) in North Yorkshire and (B) nationally in (1) 1997, (2) 1998, (3) 1999, (4) 2000 and (5) 2001.

John Hutton: The tables show waiting times for waiting list and booked admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England and the Northern and Yorkshire region for the years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 for hip replacements, heart operations, and cancer treatment. Data have been given on the distribution of waiting times to give a more informative picture than the two most extreme results. Data for 2000–01 are not yet available.
	
		Waiting list and booked admissions by waiting time for primary hip replacement operations only or revisions, by health authority area of residence—NHS hospitals, England 1997–98 to 1999–2000
		
			   1997–98  1998–99  1999–2000  
			  North Yorkshire HA England North Yorkshire HA England North Yorkshire HA England 
		
		
			 Episodes with a valid waiting time 430 29,979 3,973 33,563 567 33,526 
			
			 Waiting time   
			 Up to six weeks 84 3,617 584 3,825 82 3,865 
			 Six weeks to three months 78 4,164 552 4,239 89 4,375 
			 Three to six months 102 7,062 840 7,227 110 7,106 
			 Six to nine months 68 5,478 641 5,930 89 5,820 
			 Nine months to one year 34 4,434 702 5,116 87 4,681 
			 Over one year 64 5,224 654 7,226 110 7,679 
			 Not known 23 1,105 325 1,052 152 1,150 
		
	
	Notes:
	An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.
	The main operation is the first of four operation fields in the HES data set, and is usually the most resource intensive procedure performed during the episode.
	Operation (OPCS4R) and diagnosis (ICD10) codes used are as follows:
	Primary hip replacement operations—operation codes W37–39 and W46–48, excluding emergency admissions, and those with primary diagnosis S72 (fractured neck of femur). Revision operations—W37.3, W38.3, W39.3, W46.3, W47.3, W48.3, excluding emergency admissions and those with a primary diagnosis of S72 (fractured neck of femur).
	Waiting time statistics from HES are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and waiting times for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment at a given point in time and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the waiting time as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension.
	Data in this table are not adjusted for shortfalls.
	Patients whose waiting time is 'not known' are from a waiting list or booked admission where the date of decision to admit was invalid, therefore a duration of elective wait cannot be calculated.
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.
	
		Waiting list and booked admissions for heart operations by waiting time and health authority area of residence—NHS hospitals, -- England 1997–98 to 1999–2000
		
			   1997–98  1998–99  1999–2000  
			  North Yorkshire HA England North Yorkshire HA England North Yorkshire HA England 
		
		
			 Episodes with a valid waiting time 577 93,599 797 107,741 958 107,868 
			
			 Waiting time   
			 Up to six weeks 267 38,106 356 42,314 398 43,216 
			 Six weeks to three months 83 20,718 116 23,755 152 25,376 
			 Three to six months 93 16,557 129 20,348 181 20,346 
			 Six to nine months 55 7,914 65 8,860 72 8,509 
			 Nine months to one year 38 6,157 73 7,231 77 5,539 
			 Over one year 41 4,147 58 5,233 78 4,882 
			 Not known 226 9,908 674 8,340 617 9,656 
		
	
	Notes:
	An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.
	The main operation is the first of four operation fields in the HES data set and is usually the most resource intensive procedure performed during the episode.
	Operation (OPCS4R) codes used are as follows K01-K71.
	Waiting time statistics from HES are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and waiting times for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment at a given point in time and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the waiting time as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension.
	Patients whose waiting time is 'not known' are from a waiting list or booked admission where the date of decision to admit was invalid, therefore a duration of elective wait cannot be calculated.
	Data in this table are not adjusted for shortfalls.
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.
	
		Waiting list and booked admissions for cancer patients by waiting time, main diagnosis/operation and health authority area of residence—NHS hospitals, England 1997–98 to 1999–2000
		
			  Episodes with a valid waiting time Up to six weeks Six weeks to three months Three to six months Six to nine months Nine months to one year Over one year Not known 
		
		
			  1997–98 
			  North Yorkshire HA 
			 Cancer (1) 4,275 3,541 437 178 52 48 19 1,052 
			 Cancer (2) 3,640 2,958 401 163 51 48 19 847 
			  
			 England 
			 Cancer (1) 378,013 333,352 28,614 10,766 2,950 1,234 1,097 88,667 
			 Cancer (2) 293,533 252,988 25,674 9,961 2,756 1,155 999 66,058 
			  
			  1998–99 
			  North Yorkshire HA 
			 Cancer (1) 5,364 4,625 329 200 71 89 50 2,215 
			 Cancer (2) 4,875 4,162 312 197 69 88 47 2,070 
			  
			 England 
			 Cancer (1) 344,548 298,459 30,401 10,861 2,593 1,147 1,087 90,569 
			 Cancer (2) 303,471 260,301 28,094 10,428 2,499 1,113 1,036 69,455 
			  
			  1999–2000 
			  North Yorkshire HA 
			 Cancer (1) 6,763 5,895 478 236 75 50 29 2,146 
			 Cancer (2) 6,057 5,230 446 232 73 49 27 1,964 
			  
			 England 
			 Cancer (1) 333,806 289,163 30,903 9,921 2,240 770 809 89,699 
			 Cancer (2) 294,935 253,251 28,498 9,523 2,159 734 770 67,106 
		
	
	Notes:
	An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.
	The main operation is the first of four operation fields in the HES data set and is usually the most resource intensive procedure performed during the episode.
	The main diagnosis is the first of seven diagnosis fields in the HES data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	Operation (OPCS4R) and diagnosis (ICD10) codes used are as follows:
	Cancer (1)—Diagnosis 'COO-C97 Malignant/Neoplasms'
	Cancer (2)—Diagnosis 'COO-C97 Malignant/Neoplasms' with any surgical operation or procedure.
	Waiting time statistics from HES are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and waiting times for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment at a given point in time and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the waiting time as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension.
	Data in this table are not adjusted for shortfalls.
	Patients whose waiting time is 'not known' are from a waiting list or booked admission where the date of decision to admit was invalid, therefore a duration of elective wait cannot be calculated.
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

Health Services (London)

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what action the Government are taking to recruit more (a) nurses, (b) physiotherapists, (c) occupational therapists and (d) GPs in London; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what action the Government are taking to recruit (a) more community psychiatric nurses and (b) more approved social workers in London;
	(3)  what action the Government are taking to recruit more psychiatrists in London.

John Hutton: We are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention in the National Health Service for all staff, including London. Examples include investing in fair pay, encouraging the NHS to become a better employer, increasing training commissions for all professional groups, attracting former staff back to the NHS, encouraging flexible retirement, and supporting more effective, collaborative international recruitment where appropriate. We are also funding a recruitment campaign to raise the profile of social work and improve recruitment rates into social work.
	In places where recruitment is most difficult, we are also looking at accommodation issues. For example, a NHS housing co-ordinator has been appointed in London to improve the recruitment and retention of key workers. The NHS Plan aims to provide 2000 residential units in London by 2004.
	From March 2000 until May 2001, 661 nurses and midwives returned to practice in London.
	By 2004 we will increase the number of general practitioners, nationally, by at least 2000 and increase the number of GP training places by 550. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State also announced a package of measures aimed at improving recruitment and retention of GPs on 13 March 2001. Other measures such as personal medical service pilots will attract GPs into deprived areas. In London we already have 265 GP registrars in training and are looking to increase training capacity to increase local supply. We are also seeing if we can increase the number of feeder senior house officer posts to increase the flow into the GP registrar grade. Increasing numbers of newly qualified pre-registration house officers are now getting exposure to general practice as part of their year's training.

Health Services (London)

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health service in London; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: We have received one representation in the last three months about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health services in London.
	Following the planning round an additional £155 million for 2001–02 has been made available to the National Health Service, partly in recognition of additional financial pressures. London received £25.4 million of this.

Primary Care Trusts

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how primary care trusts will be accountable for their use of public resources.

John Hutton: The chief executive of the primary care trust (PCT), as accountable officer, is responsible for ensuring that the PCT carries out its functions in such a way as to ensure proper stewardship of public resources.
	PCTs will continue to be accountable to their health authority by means of an annual accountability agreement which sets out agreed aims and targets for improving health, health services and value for money.

NHS Recruitment

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications there were to train as a (a) general practitioner, (b) social worker, (c) physiotherapist and (d) special therapist in (i) London and (ii) England and Wales in each year since 1996.

John Hutton: Consistent data for the number of applicants to train as a general practitioner in England have been collected only this year.
	In 2001 the number of applications from GP registrars to begin training in August was 2,239. There were 539 applications to the North and South Thames deaneries which cover London.
	Data for the number of social workers are not collected centrally.
	Data for the number of physiotherapists are collected by the University and Colleges Admissions Service for the whole of the United Kingdom. Data for London are not available separately.
	
		
			 Year Number of applications 
		
		
			 1997 28,534 
			 1998 27,985 
			 1999 26,316 
			 2000 25,025 
		
	
	Specialist therapists are not a recognised staff group.

Northwick Park Hospital

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) hospital medical staff, (b) consultants and (c) nursing and midwifery staff were employed at Northwick Park hospital in each year since 1996.

John Hutton: The information is not collected in the format requested. Information by National Health Service trust is provided in the table.
	
		NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, hospital medical staff and consultants at Northwick Park NHS Trust, Central Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust and North West London Hospitals NHS Trust as at 30 September each year -- Whole-time equivalents
		
			  All hospital medical staff Consultants Total nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, of which: Qualified staff Unqualified staff 
		
		
			 1996 410 130 1,320 1,160 160 
			 Northwick Park 250 80 820 730 90 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 160 50 500 430 70 
			   
			 1997 430 140 1,210 1,130 80 
			 Northwick Park 270 80 770 730 50 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 160 60 440 410 30 
			   
			 1998 430 150 1,250 1,150 100 
			 Northwick Park 280 90 770 740 30 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 150 60 480 410 60 
			   
			 1999  
			 NW London Hospitals 460 150 1,210 1,120 90 
			   
			 2000  
			 NW London Hospitals 470 160 1,250 1,140 110 
		
	
	
		NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, hospital medical staff and consultants at Northwick Park NHS Trust, Central Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust and North West London Hospitals NHS Trust as at 30 September each year
		
			  Headcount  
			  All hospital medical staff Consultants Total nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, of which: Qualified staff Unqualified staff 
		
		
			 1996 500 170 1,610 1,350 260 
			 Northwick Park 290 90 1,040 860 170 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 210 80 570 480 90 
			   
			 1997 500 170 1,530 1,360 170 
			 Northwick Park 300 90 1,030 900 140 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 200 80 490 460 40 
			   
			 1998 510 180 1,560 1,370 180 
			 Northwick Park 320 100 1,000 910 90 
			 Central Middlesex hospital 190 80 550 460 90 
			   
			 1999  
			 NW London Hospitals 530 170 1,560 1,340 210 
			   
			 2000  
			 NW London Hospitals 540 180 1,700 1,430 280 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10
	2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff
	3. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts
	4. In 1999 Northwick Park NHS Trust merged with Central Middlesex Hospitals NHS Trust to form North West London Hospitals NHS Trust
	Source:
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

NHS Consultants (Income Disclosure)

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what disclosure he requires from consultants employed by the National Health Service of those consultants' income from private medical practice.

John Hutton: At the end of each financial year, whole-time consultants are asked to submit a return to their National Health Service employer, indicating that their annual gross income from private practice has not exceeded 10 per cent. of their gross NHS salary. An employer may require fully audited accounts if they consider that they have grounds for seeking more information. Consultants on other types of contract are not required to disclose their private practice earnings to their NHS employer.

NHS Staff Numbers

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses left service in the NHS in the last two years.

John Hutton: The information requested is not available centrally.

Commission for Health Improvement

Howard Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will define the role and terms of reference of the Commission for Health Improvement.

John Hutton: The role of the Commission is set out in section 20 of the Health Act 1999 and further defined in the Commission for Health Improvement (Functions) Regulations 2000. The main functions are:
	to provide advice or information to the National Health Service on clinical governance (clinical governance is a framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of clinical services and safeguarding high standards of care);
	to review and report on local clinical governance arrangements;
	to investigate and report on the management, provision or quality of healthcare for which NHS bodies have responsibility;
	to carry out national service reviews of particular types of healthcare.

Alzheimer's

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures (a) have been and (b) will be introduced to help carers who look after those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Jacqui Smith: We fully recognise the vital role played by carers and are doing much to improve the support and services available to help them in their caring role.
	Our approach to support carers is outlined in "Caring About Carers", the report of the National Carers Strategy which highlighted the need for better information for carers, better support for carers and better care for carers. Two of the objectives of the strategy were to ensure more breaks are available to carers and to provide services direct to carers and to support them in their caring role through the carers grants.
	We will increase the amount of money put aside specifically to support carers in England through the carers grant from £50 million last year to £70 million this year, £85 million in 2002–03 and £100 million in 2003–04; this will be an important step towards ensuring that up to 75,000 more carers receive a break from their caring duties.
	In addition to this, The National Service Framework for Older People was published on 27 March 2001. The NSF builds the needs and appropriate support of carers into all the standards it sets.
	Standard 7 of the NSF relates to mental health and will ensure that older people with dementia and depression have access to integrated health services to ensure effective diagnosis, treatment and support for them and their carers.
	Importantly, this standard will also ensure that carers receive the information, advice and practical help such as counselling services or short-term breaks to support them in caring for the older person.

Junior Doctors

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he estimates that junior doctors will be required to work a maximum of 56 hours a week. [R]

John Hutton: Monitoring carried out at the end of March 2001 indicated that only some 21 per cent. of junior doctors were still working more than 56 hours a week.
	From 1 August this year, pre-registration house officers will by contract be limited to an average 56 hours a week maximum, and all other junior doctors, Senior House Officers and Specialist Registrars, will be similarly protected from August 2003.

PRIME MINISTER

Departmental Responsibilities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out, for each Department where responsibilities have been changed since 8 June, the areas of responsibility that have been transferred (a) from and (b) to each Department from other Departments; and what new responsibilities have been assigned.

Tony Blair: holding answer 28 June 2001
	The information is contained in press notices which I have placed in the Libraries of the House.

Cabinet Champions

Paul Burstow: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Cabinet champions he has appointed to date.

Tony Blair: holding answer 28 June 2001
	I have appointed the Cabinet. From time to time I invite Ministers to take on additional roles. For example, my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling) continues to be a champion for older people.

European Affairs

Richard Spring: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Ministers in each Government Department with responsibility for European affairs.

Tony Blair: holding answer 28 June 2001
	The Minister for Europe in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Peter Hain). Practice on the allocation of responsibility for European matters in other Departments varies. Some designate a single Minister to deal with all European matters, but most divide responsibilities between several Ministers, including the ministerial head of the Department, as appropriate.

Ministerial Meetings

Richard Spring: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the items discussed and the conclusions reached during his meeting with the President of the European Commission on 25 June.

Tony Blair: holding answer 28 June 2001
	I had a productive working breakfast with the President of the European Commission on 25 June. We discussed a range of EU issues, including enlargement, the ongoing debate on the future of the Union and the EU economy. On the latter subject, we briefly discussed the progress of the euro, on which I emphasised that the Government's policy remained unchanged. I also reiterated the Government's strong commitment to an economic reform agenda capable of realising the objective set at the Lisbon Council last year for the EU to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010.

Cabinet Committees

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to establish a Cabinet sub-committee on foreign affairs which would include non-Government members.

Tony Blair: None.

Public Services

Michael Jack: To ask the Prime Minister if he will define the phrase "world class" in the context of his recent speech relating to public services.

Tony Blair: Our agenda on public service reform is clear. We want to improve our public services through a combination of investment and reform. First, we will set high minimum standards in every public service. Secondly, we will build public services around the consumer. And thirdly, we will put the front-line of public service provision first.

International Law

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on advising (a) Parliament and (b) Her Majesty the Queen about violations of sovereignty and international law in the UK.

Tony Blair: The Government's policy is to keep Her Majesty The Queen and Parliament informed of significant developments in our international relations.

Poverty

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has to mitigate poverty in the United Kingdom.

Tony Blair: The Government's objectives for tackling poverty are set out in their Second Annual Report on tackling poverty and social exclusion "Opportunity for all: one year on—making a difference" (Cm 4865—September 2000).

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Students

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students were in higher education on (a) 1 May 2000 and (b) 1 May 2001; and what is the projected figure for 1 May 2002.

Margaret Hodge: The available information is given in the following table:
	
		Higher education students(3) in England—as at 1 December
		
			  Thousand 
			   Number 
		
		
			 1999–2000(4) 1,610 
			 2000–01(5) 1,652 
			 2001–02(6) 1,710 
		
	
	(3) Full-time and part-time, postgraduate and undergraduate, home and overseas, including the Open University
	(4) Actual
	(5) Provisional
	(6) Projected

Teachers

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) female and (b) male (1) primary and (2) secondary school teachers are aged (i) 20 to 24, (ii) 25 to 29, (iii) 30 to 34, (iv) 35 to 39, (v) 40 to 44, (vi) 45 to 49, (vii) 50 to 54, (viii) 55 to 59, (ix) 60 to 65, (x) 65 to 70 and (xi) 70 years plus.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Full-time teachers by age in the maintained nursery, primary and secondary school sector in England at March 1999 (the latest date available), as published in the DfEE publication "Statistics of Education: Teachers: England and Wales: 2000 edition" were as follows:
	
		
			  Nursery/primary Secondary  
			 Age of teacher Men  Women Total Men Women Total 
		
		
			 Under 25 900 9,000 9,800 1,900 4,300 6,200 
			 25 to 29 3,100 23,200 26,300 8,800 15,700 24,600 
			 30 to 34 3,300 16,100 19,400 8,900 11,200 20,000 
			 35 to 39 3,000 11,600 14,600 9,400 10,000 19,400 
			 40 to 44 3,900 20,100 24,000 13,300 15,300 28,600 
			 45 to 49 6,600 30,800 37,400 20,200 19,400 39,700 
			 50 to 54 5,200 22,100 27,200 14,900 13,200 28,100 
			 55 to 59 1,500 7,500 9,000 4,300 4,600 8,900 
			 60 to 64 200 1,000 1,200 800 800 1,500 
			 65 and over (7)— 100 100 (7)— (7)— 100 
			 All ages 27,770 141,400 169,100 82,500 94,500 177,100 
		
	
	(7) Less than 50 teachers
	Note:
	Totals may not be the sum of the component parts because of rounding

School Meals (Stockton, South)

Dari Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in Stockton, South have school meals provided by the local authority.

Stephen Timms: The latest information available is shown in the following table.
	
		School meal arrangements—January 2000
		
			  Stockton, South England 
		
		
			 Primary schools   
			 Number of pupils eligible for a free school meal 1,538 816,994 
			 Percentage of pupils eligible for a free school meal(8) 15.4 18.4 
			 Number of pupils who took a free school meal 1,333 671,486 
			 Percentage of pupils who took a free school meal(8) 13.4 15.0 
			
			 Secondary schools   
			 Number of pupils eligible for a free school meal 1,524 523,630 
			 Percentage of pupils eligible for a free school meal(8) 18.6 16.5 
			 Number of pupils who took a free school meal 984 368,303 
			 Percentage of pupils who took a free school meal(8) 12.0 11.6 
		
	
	(8) Number of pupils eligible for a free school meal and taking a free school meal expressed as a percentage of all day pupils

Comprehensive School System

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her Department's aims for a comprehensive school system are.

Stephen Timms: Our aims for a comprehensive school system are to give all young people the opportunity to acquire the skills, attitudes and formal qualifications necessary for their personal development, lifelong learning, work and citizenship. This means that all schools must deliver a broad and balanced curriculum including literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology. At secondary level they must also provide high-quality pathways able to meet the needs of individuals, be they academic or vocational. In order to better achieve these aims, we want to increase diversity by enabling each school to develop a distinct mission, ethos and character and, provided it demonstrates success, have the autonomy to manage its own affairs.

School Places (Bromley)

Eric Forth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils in the London borough of Bromley have not had an offer of a secondary school place for September.

Stephen Timms: As of 25 June, 152 children in Bromley were still to be made an offer of a secondary school place for September. However, appeals are still taking place, and some parents may also be holding offers of places in neighbouring boroughs. As in previous years, the LEA will be negotiating with their schools to take on additional pupils. They also have powers to direct the admission of pupils for whom no school place can otherwise be found.

School Places (Bromley)

Eric Forth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to review the effects of the Greenwich Judgment, particularly with regard to the number of out-of-borough pupils in schools in the London borough of Bromley.

Stephen Timms: We have listened carefully to representations that we should seek to reverse the effect of the Greenwich Judgment. However, when we consulted on the Bill that became the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 there was no evidence of a groundswell of opinion nationally for doing so, and we have no reason to alter that view. The judgment was a sensible recognition of cross-LEA patterns of travel to schools. It prevented LEAs from refusing applications for schools simply on the basis that a child might not live in their specific administrative area.
	Parents can apply for any school, regardless of where they live. If a school is oversubscribed, admission criteria are applied to decide which applicants should be allocated the available places. The Code of Practice on School Admissions encourages admission authorities to operate admission arrangements which reflect the reality of pupil admission patterns, especially where there tends to be a high level of cross-border movement.
	Typical criteria used give priority where there is a sibling already at the school, to those who attend a named feeder school, who have a medical condition, live in a defined catchment area or who live closest to the school. Admission authorities for schools must review and consult on their admission arrangements each year, and this gives an opportunity to introduce any changes they consider to be in the best interests of local parents and children.
	In many cases, a child's nearest school may be in another authority area. This is one reason why there is so much cross-border travel. Cross-LEA travel to school is a well-established practice in London, and pre-dates the Greenwich judgment. It is one of many factors that LEAs must take into account when planning and organising the provision of school places in their area.
	Supply and demand of places is finely balanced at present in Bromley with significant growth predicted. A new secondary school will open in September 2003.

LEA Councillors (Disqualifications)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will have discussions with other relevant Ministers about introducing legislation to make agency teaching staff subject to the same disqualifications from serving as councillors on their local education authority as teaching staff directly employed by the schools or local education authority.

Stephen Timms: Agency teachers are already subject to the same legislation.

Teaching Assistants (Staffordshire)

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many new posts of teaching assistant she plans to fund during the current financial year; how such funding will be distributed; and what Staffordshire's share will be.

Stephen Timms: The appointment and deployment of teaching assistants are matters for individual schools and local education authorities to consider in the light of local needs and circumstances, so I cannot say how many posts will be created this financial year. But the numbers of full-time equivalent teaching assistants rose by over 25,000 between 1999 and 2001. During the period April 1999 to March 2004, we are making available around £750 million to local education authorities in England to meet the cost of recruiting, maintaining and training this level of new teaching assistants. The Department has allocated funds this year to LEAs on the basis of 80 per cent. to primary and nursery schools and 20 per cent. to secondary and special schools and Pupil Referral Units. Staffordshire's share for 2001–02 is £3,174,241.

Modern Languages

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers are qualified to teach (a) Urdu, (b) Bengali, (c) Gujerati, (d) Hindi, (e) Mandarin, (f) Cantonese and (g) modern languages; how many teacher training places are available for the teaching of such languages; and if she will make a statement on her policy on the teaching of such languages in schools.

Stephen Timms: Data on the number of teachers qualified to teach these languages are not collected centrally.
	The total number of teacher training places available for all modern languages is set annually by the Government and allocated to providers by the Teacher Training Agency. In 2001–02, 2,050 places on courses of initial teacher training in modern languages will be available. That figure does not include the employment- based training places for modern languages available though the Graduate and Registered Teacher Programmes. Providers themselves determine the languages in which they will offer training courses.
	The National Curriculum requires schools to offer at least one of the working languages of the European Union, but schools are free to offer additional languages, including those spoken in the local community. The development of specialist Language Colleges is intended further to widen the language-learning possibilities on offer. The Colleges now offer over 20 different languages, including Urdu, Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi and Chinese.

Teacher Shortages

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of teacher shortages in Castle Point (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools; and what action she will take to remove those shortages.

Stephen Timms: We do not collect data on anticipated vacancies in schools. Information on the number of teacher vacancies is collected once a year in January as part of the annual census of teachers and vacancies. However, information is not available at individual constituency level.

University Staff

David Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many academic staff at universities in the UK resigned their posts in the first three months of this year who would otherwise have been employed on 31 March and included in the RAE submissions either as research active or as not research active; how many of them were re-engaged (a) to teach and (b) to continue research broken down by university and unit of assessment; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: This information is not available.

Special Advisers

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the Special Advisers in her Department together with their date of appointment and their responsibilities; which of them are authorised to speak to the media; and if she will make a statement.

Estelle Morris: Special Advisers have not yet been appointed.

Pupil-teacher Ratios

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the pupil to teacher ratio was in secondary schools (a) in 1997 and (b) in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is shown in the table.
	The ratio has improved for the first time in 10 years, following the increases in funding we have made for schools: funding per pupil since 1997–98 has increased by an average of £540 in real terms.
	
		Pupil:teacher ratio in maintained secondary schools
		
			 Position in January each year Pupil:teacher ratio 
		
		
			 2001(9) 17.1 
			 2000 17.2 
			 1999 17.0 
			 1998 16.9 
			 1997 16.7 
		
	
	(9) Provisional

Maths Teachers

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacancies there are for mathematics teachers in English secondary schools.

Stephen Timms: At 18 January 2001 there were 410 full-time vacancies, which represents approximately 2.1 per cent. of mathematics teachers.

AS-Levels

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will set out the (a) remit and (b) timetable of the review of AS-levels and details of the process of reporting the results of the review.

Ivan Lewis: The review will concentrate on the examination and assessment requirements of the new advanced level qualifications. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked for a first report in July on those issues and a further report in December in the light of the summer results.
	The outcome of the QCA review will be made public together with the Government's response.

AS-Levels

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many pupils have sat the new AS levels in the current year; what the average number of subjects studied was; and what the cost of the new AS level exams has been for schools;
	(2)  how many students in further education colleges have undertaken AS levels in the current year; and what the cost of the exams has been to further education colleges.

Ivan Lewis: This information is not available, but an announcement on Advanced level results will be made on 16 August.

Departmental Responsibilities

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the areas of responsibility that have (a) been transferred from her Department to other Departments and (b) been transferred to her Department from other Departments since 8 June.

Estelle Morris: The Department for Education and Skills came into being on 9 June, with responsibility for the education, skills and lifelong learning responsibilities of the former Department for Education and Employment. Information on the distribution of the remaining responsibilities of the former DfEE is set out in the following table.
	
		
			 Transferred to Areas of responsibility 
		
		
			 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Employment policy 
			  Civil rights for disabled people 
			  Policy on age (with the exception of the Article 13 Employment Directive) 
			  Employment Service 
			  Sponsorship of the Disability Rights Commission 
			   
			 Home Office Work Permits (UK) 
			   
			 Department of Trade and Industry Implementation of Article 13 Employment Directive with respect to age, religion and sexual orientation 
			  Race equality in employment including Race Relations Employment Advisory Service 
			  Equality Direct 
			  Work-life balance policy 
			   
			 Women and Equality Unit (in the Cabinet Office) Gender legislation and policy 
			  Sponsorship of the Equal Opportunities Commission 
			  Kingsmill Review of Women's Employment and Pay 
			  Sexual orientation issues (other than Article 13) 
		
	
	International policy is being handled in a joint unit located in the DWP, reporting to me and to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. No responsibilities have been transferred from other Departments to the Department for Education and Skills.

Secondary Schools

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations she has received regarding admission policies for secondary schools.

Stephen Timms: As part of the consultation exercise on the Green Paper "Schools—Building on Success", we received 421 responses from a number of organisations, LEAs, teachers, governors and parents which commented on secondary schools, some of which addressed admissions directly. Common themes have been the need for maximum access to good local schools, and for admission authorities to adopt a more co-ordinated approach to the admission process.

Secondary Schools

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on admissions to secondary schools.

Stephen Timms: We introduced a new admissions framework for all schools in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Its aim was to promote parental choice and make the admissions system fairer and easier for parents. A new statutory requirement was imposed on admission authorities requiring them to consult each other annually, before determining their admission arrangements. Where local agreement cannot be reached, admission authorities can object to an independent Schools Adjudicator or, where appropriate, to the Secretary of State.
	School admission arrangements are decided locally and admission authorities are free to choose what arrangements to use, although they must be clear, fair and objective and operated in a reasonable manner in line with guidance contained in the Code of Practice on School Admissions.
	Parents have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if refused a place at their preferred school.

Graduation Award

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what consultation has taken place with teachers on the introduction of the new over-arching graduation award for 19-year-olds.

Stephen Timms: The Government asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in December 1999 to consult on the "graduation certificate" proposal which was set out in the Social Exclusion Unit's report "Bridging the Gap: New Opportunities for 16–18 year olds not in Education, Employment or Training". The idea behind the certificate was to encourage all young people to stay in learning until 19.
	The extensive consultation during 1999 and early 2000 covered a range of interested parties including teachers. We will consider what further consultation will be needed in taking forward the most recent proposal by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Graduation Award

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions were held with the Learning and Skills Council on the introduction of the new graduation award for 19-year-olds.

Stephen Timms: The Further Education Funding Council was involved in exploring the proposal for a graduation certificate included in the Social Exclusion Unit's report "Bridging the Gap: New Opportunities for 16–18 year olds not in Education, Employment or Training". The Learning and Skills Council have an on-going role in the current work being done by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority on that proposal, and they will be involved in the development of any new award.

Graduation Award

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if the new graduation award for 19-year-olds will be available to those studying at the further education colleges post-16; and if further education colleges will be expected to hold graduation ceremonies.

Stephen Timms: The award would be for all young people to attain by 19 years of age, and would be available to young people learning in a variety of settings including further education colleges. We will need to consider what the appropriate form and content of any ceremonies to recognise and celebrate young people's achievement of the award should be.

Teacher Training

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will set out the targets for recruitment into teacher training for each of the next three years for (a) BEd courses, (b) PGCE courses and (c) GTTP.

Stephen Timms: The target for recruitment to initial teacher training courses at institutions in England for 2001–02 is 29,890. The indicative targets for 2002–03 and 2003–04 respectively are 29,535 and 29,095. The targets are not split between undergraduate and postgraduate provision. Decisions on the allocation of teacher training places, including between undergraduate and postgraduate courses, are made by the Teacher Training Agency.
	My right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced on 12 March this year an extra 570 places on the Graduate Teacher Programme that will bring the total, in due course, to 2,250 a year.

Admission Appeals Panels

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what analysis has been undertaken by her Department of the impact of the introduction of independent admission appeals panels on the number of appeals upheld.

Stephen Timms: The Department has commissioned research into the operation of independent appeal panels and a report on its findings is due in January 2002. In 1999–2000 (the latest year for which figures are available), 89,200 admission appeals were lodged by parents, although only 62,700 appeals reached an appeal panel. Of these, 21,500 appeals were decided in the parents favour, representing 34 per cent. of all appeals heard by a panel.
	The introduction of independent appeal panels has not shown a marked impact on the success rate of appeals; at secondary school level, the percentage of appeals being decided in parents' favour has remained stable at 32 per cent. for the last three years. At primary level, where class size legislation has placed restrictions on appeal panels, there has been a drop in the percentage of successful appeals over the last three years, from 47 per cent. in 1997–98 to 39 per cent. in 1999–2000.

Education Reform

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she intends to issue the White Paper on education reform.

Stephen Timms: The Government will issue a White Paper on education reform before the summer adjournment.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Paper Recycling

Joan Walley: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood), representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on phase one of the House of Commons paper recycling scheme.

Archy Kirkwood: This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms; I have asked him to write to the hon. Lady.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Belize

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what dates KPMG received letters from Carlisle Holdings during its study commissioned by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; if she will place copies of these letters in the Library; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: To the Department's knowledge KPMG only received three letters from Carlisle Holdings dated 10 August 2000, 18 August 2000 and 9 April 2001. The correspondence is private to the parties concerned.

Belize

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will place in the Library a copy of the report arising from the study commissioned from KPMG by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; and on what date this report was (a) completed and (b) received by her Department.

Clare Short: The report is for disclosure only to DFID and the Government of Belize. The final report was issued by KPMG on 24 May 2001 and received by the Department on 25 May 2001.

Belize

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she plans to hold meetings with the Belize Government to discuss progress on the Commonwealth Debt Initiative and the effect of tax exemptions and public investment companies on pro-poor programmes.

Clare Short: A team from DFID's Caribbean office will be visiting Belize next month to discuss these and other issues.

Belize

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings KPMG requested with representatives of the two public investment companies during its study commissioned by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: KPMG requested information on the two public investment companies from the Government of Belize. As far as the Department is aware KPMG did not request meetings with representatives of the two companies.

Belize

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date she asked the Permanent Secretary of her Department to investigate a possible conflict of interest by KPMG over a study commissioned by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; on what date her Department met KPMG to discuss the issue of a possible conflict of interest; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: International consultants engaged by the DFID typically work for a number of different clients and our standard contract requires them to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Following the submission of a report that failed to fulfil the original terms of reference, my Permanent Secretary was assured of an impartial Final Report from the consultant when he spoke to a senior partner of KPMG on 18 May.

Lord Ashcroft

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date her Department received a request for documents under the Data Protection Act 1998 from Lord Ashcroft; and on what dates her Department replied to the request.

Clare Short: The Department for International Development received a subject access request from Lord Ashcroft's solicitors, under the Data Protection Act 1998, on 12 February 2001. A reply was issued on 23 March 2001, within the 40-day deadline required by the Act.

Lord Ashcroft

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date her Department received a letter from Lord Ashcroft and Carlisle Holdings regarding the remarks made at the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle in 1999; on what date her Department responded to the letter; if she will place copies of the correspondence in the Library; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: We have no record of any such correspondence.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Clean Coal Technology

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has for UK involvement in the recently announced US research project into clean coal technology; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: This Government attach importance to developing cleaner coal technologies (CCT) to keep options open for diversity and security of energy supply in the UK and I recently announced a review into the case for support for a CCT demonstration plant. We have close links with the US cleaner coal technologies programme and some technologies developed in the UK are involved in the US demonstration programme. A new Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and the US Department of Energy on Energy R&D, signed in November last year, provides a framework for further co-operation and we expect a number of collaborative projects to emerge.

Clean Coal Technology

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if progress on the development of clean coal technology will be included in the Energy Review; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: Yes. Any review of energy must look at the role of coal. The study that I announced recently on the case for cleaner coal power demonstration plant will be an important part of this discussion, and the results of this study will inform the work of the PIU Energy Review.

Working Time Regulations

James Purnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's plans to consult on amending the Working Time Regulations to remove the qualifying period for paid annual leave.

Alan Johnson: I am pleased to announce that the consultation has been launched. The Government are consulting on proposals to remove the qualifying period and introduce a system of accrual of the entitlement to paid annual leave in the first year.
	I have placed copies of the consultation document in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies may also be obtained from Room UG139, Department of Trade and Industry, 1 Victoria street, London SW1H 0ET; by telephone on 020–7215 0445; or via the Department of Trade and Industry website at: www.dti.gov.uk/er/worktimeregs/ palconsult.pdf.
	All responses to the consultation must be received by Friday, 27 July 2001.

Competition Law

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many alleged breaches of the Competition Act 1998 have been reported to the Office of Fair Trading; how many investigations have been conducted into such breaches; and what the outcome was in each case, indicating the level of fines imposed.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Between the coming into force of the main provisions of the Competition Act 1998 on 1 March 2000 and the end of May 2001, the Office of Fair Trading has received over 5,000 complaints alleging a breach of the Competition Act 1998, or the complex monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. These complaints have resulted in 2,065 preliminary inquiries being opened to consider the allegations. Of these, 68 resulted in investigations of which 34 investigations are on-going.
	The Office of Fair Trading will conduct an investigation when the Director General of Fair Trading is satisfied that he has reasonable grounds to believe that an infringement of the prohibitions contained in the Act has taken place.
	The Director General of Fair Trading has issued one infringement decision and one non-infringement decision resulting from the investigations. He imposed a fine of £3.2 million on Napp Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd. Napp have appealed his decision.

ERDF

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the EU Regional Development Fund goes towards the city of Coventry; and what is the annual amount.

Alan Johnson: Up to £68 million (based on current exchange rates) has been awarded to projects in the Coventry and Warwickshire area from the Structural Fund Programmes operating during the period 1997–99. These programmes are now closed.
	This resource has had a direct impact on Coventry in two ways: first, offers of grant have been made to support projects operating in Coventry itself; and secondly, grant has been awarded to reclaim sites and support projects in areas adjacent to the Coventry border thus generating a major beneficial economic effect on the citizens of Coventry.
	The 2000–06 Objective 2 and 3 programmes are still in their infancy but to date £12 million grant has been awarded to Coventry from the Objective 3 ESF programme. The West Midlands Objective 3 Regional budget for 2000 and 2001 is £80 million, at current exchange rates, and commitments so far total £45 million across the region. So far no offers have yet been made anywhere in the region under the Objective 2 programme, launched by Ministers in April this year. However, a number of proposals are under consideration from the Coventry Partnership, and it is expected that Coventry will be major beneficiaries of this programme.

Foot and Mouth (Devon)

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of foot and mouth disease on the foreign language school industry in Devon; and if she will make a statement.

Alun Michael: I have been asked to reply.
	Various assessments have been made by organisations in the south-west of the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak on businesses, including in Devon, although it might not be possible from these to identify specifically the impact on the foreign language school industry. Government recognise that foot and mouth has had an impact on a wide range of businesses and have put in place a package of measures to help recovery. Advice on the assistance is available through Business Link on telephone number 0845 600 9006. The Government have also allocated to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) an extra £14.2 million to help promote Britain abroad as an attractive tourist destination. The BTA's recovery plan includes targeted activity to encourage overseas students to continue to learn English here.

LORD CHANCELLOR

City Status

Simon Burns: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on what the criteria are for determining the award of city status to towns;
	(2)  if he will make the criteria for determining the award of city status more transparent; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: City status is not a right that can be claimed by the meeting of specific criteria, but an honour granted by the Queen, on ministerial advice, under the Royal Prerogative. A competition for grants of city status to mark Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee will be launched shortly. It is expected that guidance will be provided to local authorities, at that stage, as to the main factors which will be taken into account by Ministers before my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor submits his recommendations to the Queen.
	The Lord Chancellor himself will take responsibility for this matter. Although I, together with my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), will be responsible for answering questions in this House on city status, we shall not be involved in the consideration process because of our constituencies potential interests in the outcome.

Open Government

Helen Jackson: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how he will monitor the Government's commitment to openness in Government Departments.

Michael Wills: The Government report to Parliament annually on the operation of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which is the current regime governing access to information held by Government Departments and many non-departmental public bodies.
	My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor expects to publish the Monitoring Report on the Code of Practice for the year 2000 shortly. This report includes information about the number of Code requests received, the speed with which they are dealt and the number of refusals made.
	The Government have demonstrated their strong commitment to openness in the public sector through the passing of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Lord Chancellor is required under the provisions of the Act to report to Parliament on the progress made towards implementation of the Act, before 30 November 2001.
	The Freedom of Information Act applies to a very wide range of bodies, over 50,000 across the public sector, going well beyond the scope of the Code of Practice. The Government are discussing with the Information Commissioner what is the best way of ensuring that the rigorous monitoring of the Code of Practice is retained when the provisions of the Act replace the Code and extending the monitoring to all of the bodies covered by the Act.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Ministerial Meetings

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department next intend to meet the French Environment Minister.

Michael Meacher: I understand that the current French Environment Minister, Dominique Voynet, plans to stand down shortly. I intend to meet her successor at the next available opportunity. This may be at the COP 6 bis meeting in Bonn, between 16–27 July. I will also have similar opportunities to meet the French Environment Minister, particularly at the Environment Council in October, if not before.

Trade Effluent

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what enforcement actions were taken by the Environment Agency against those sites with significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses in England and Wales which breached those consent levels in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000;
	(2)  what the level of compliance was with significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses held by industry in England and Wales in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000;
	(3)  what percentage of significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses held by industry in England and Wales were monitored by the Environment Agency in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000;
	(4)  what percentage of the significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses in England and Wales were reviewed by the Environment Agency in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000;
	(5)  what percentage of significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses held by industry in England and Wales included permission to discharge red list substances in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000;
	(6)  how many significant consents to discharge trade effluent to watercourses were held by industry in England and Wales in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000.

Michael Meacher: The information that my hon. Friend has requested is not held centrally. I will therefore let him have this information as soon as it is available.

Abandoned Cars

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government intend to introduce legislation on abandoned cars.

Michael Meacher: Legislation to tackle abandoned cars is already contained in the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Removal and Disposal of Vehicles Regulations 1986.
	We will be consulting later this summer on possible changes to the 1986 regulations, following a review carried out into the current legislation covering abandoned vehicles.

Nuclear Waste

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to publish a paper on nuclear waste; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Department and the devolved Administrations aim to publish the consultation paper very soon.

Municipal Incinerators

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to introduce tougher controls on emissions from existing municipal incinerators; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The recently adopted Waste Incineration Directive 2000/76/EC sets minimum standards for a variety of plants that burn waste, including municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). The UK Government are committed to transposing the EU Waste Incineration Directive, and the provisions therein, into UK law by 28 December 2002. This will apply to all new incinerators by this date, and to existing plant by 28 December 2005. This directive tightens dioxin limits to 0.1ng/m 3 . These standards will be a minimum requirement for MSWIs. The Environment Agency intends to review the performance of existing plant before the Directive applies.

Municipal Incinerators

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to introduce a moratorium on new municipal incinerators; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Government have no plans to introduce a moratorium on new municipal incinerators. The choice of waste facilities in an area is for local authorities to make in consultation with their local communities, taking into account the waste hierarchy, which places recycling and composting above incineration with energy recovery, and the need to achieve the best practicable environmental option.

Environmental Protection Act

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the average spend was by local authorities for meeting their duties under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in 2000–01; and what the average planned spend is in 2001–02;
	(2)  what average funding was allocated to local authorities for meeting their duties under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in 2000–01 and in 2001–02.

Michael Meacher: Following the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review, £12 million per year was added to the totals for Standard Spending Assessments (SSA) for English local authorities to reflect the revenue implications of the implementation of the Contaminated Land Regime in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This funding has been allocated to individual local authorities under the normal system for SSA calculations, and is supported by Revenue Support Grant payments.
	Capital expenditure by local authorities on the investigation and remediation of contaminated land for which they are responsible has been supported by the Contaminated Land Supplementary Credit Approval Programme (SCAs). A total of £21 million was available in 2000–01 for projects submitted by local authorities or the Environment Agency, with the same amount being available in 2001–02.
	Expenditure outturn figures for the SCA programme in 2001–02 are not yet available, as expenditure returns by individual local authorities are not required until mid-July.

Environmental Protection Act

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of local authorities have met their duty under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to produce a written strategy by the end of June on inspecting their areas for the purpose of identifying contaminated land.

Michael Meacher: This information is currently being gathered by the Environmental Agency. I will write with the information that my hon. Friend requires as soon as possible.

Pollution

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has conducted into changes in pollution following the introduction of congestion taxes.

Michael Meacher: A number of local authorities are developing proposals to introduce charging schemes to tackle congestion problems in their area, but implementation of schemes will generally take a number of years and none has yet started. I understand that the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions will be working with authorities introducing any such schemes to assess their overall impacts, including any changes in levels of air pollution.

Anti-dumping Tariffs

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the European Commission's proposal to introduce anti-dumping tariffs on urea fertiliser originating from non-EU countries.

Nigel Griffiths: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government did not believe the information available was sufficient for them to adopt a formal position on the European Commission's proposal. We have therefore asked for further work to be carried out in the likelihood that provisional measures will be imposed while the Commission continues its investigation. We will consult interested parties before taking a final view on definitive measures.

Environment Council (Luxembourg)

Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 7 June.

Michael Meacher: I am writing to report the outcome of the Environment Council in Luxembourg on 7 June. As the Council fell on the same day as the General Election, there were no Environment Ministers available to attend, and the UK was represented by Bill Stow, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU. The Council reached a political agreement on six common positions, two of which allowed agreement to be reached with the European Parliament at first reading. The UK abstained on the vote on a proposed Directive on low-temperature emissions from motor vehicles, and voted in favour of the other common positions. The Council also adopted five sets of conclusions.
	Political agreement was reached on a Decision of the Commission and European Parliament on the Sixth Environment Action Programme. This will set out the EU's environmental priorities for the next 10 years, focusing on climate change, nature and biodiversity, environment and health, and sustainable management of natural resources and waste. The UK achieved its objectives of a commitment to improve the policy process, a clearer priority for climate change action, and of a commitment to further analysis before the development and adoption of detailed targets. Political agreement was also reached on a proposal to amend Directive 90/313, giving the public enhanced rights of access to environmental information in line with the more demanding requirements of the Aarhus Convention.
	In reaching Political Agreement on a Directive seeking to reduce the quantity of waste from electrical and electronic equipment and increase recycling, the UK achieved its objectives. The Directive delivers environmental benefits, and is in line with the Government's objectives on waste, and Council has avoided changes which would have made it more inflexible and less workable. In particular, the UK secured additional flexibility for small manufacturers and on the arrangements for retailer takeback. Member states agreed that collection systems will have to be set up within 30 months of the Directive coming into force, with distributors having to take back used equipment free of charge on a like-for-like basis either in-store or through third parties. Producers were made responsible for reaching recovery and recycling targets within 46 months. A target of recycling 4 kg waste per person per year by 36 months following entry into force of the Directive was also agreed. Agreement was also reached on a related Directive restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, protecting the environment from potential damage arising form the disposal of this equipment, and facilitating recycling. The Council agreed a date of 2007 for the phasing out of specific hazardous substances, including lead and mercury.
	The Council was able to approve all of the European Parliament's amendments on a Decision establishing a list of priority substances under the Water Framework Directive, allowing it to be adopted at first reading. The list contains 33 Priority Substances, 11 of which are classified as Priority Hazardous Substances. The Commission will be responsible for bringing forward proposals for measures aimed at the progressive reduction and, for Priority Hazardous Substances, at the cessation or phasing-out of emissions, discharges and losses. A first reading agreement was also reached on a Directive regulating emissions from motor vehicles starting in cold conditions. The UK abstained on the basis that the costs of implementing the proposal were disproportionate to the limited environmental benefits it would bring about, and recorded its position in a statement for the Council minutes.
	The Council's conclusions on climate change reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and its willingness to negotiate constructively at the resumed COP6 in July. Ministers reiterated the target of ratification and entry into force of Kyoto by 2002. The Council also held an informal discussion on climate change over dinner.
	In response to the Commission's White Paper on EU chemicals policy Council conclusions were agreed. Ministers offered broad support for the proposal that existing and new substances would in future be subject to the same authorisation process ("REACH"—Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) while stressing the need for realistic deadlines. The conclusions recommend an objective of phasing out uses of chemicals that lead to a significant negative impact on the environment by 2020, while maintaining the competitiveness of the chemicals industry. The Conclusions also call for a minimum of animal testing and increased public access to information about chemicals. Separately, in response to a suggestion by the Netherlands, the Council agreed conclusions calling on the Commission to clarify the legal situation and possible consequences of the phase-out of mercury in the chlor-alkali industry, and report back to Council.
	In preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in Johannesburg in 2002, Council conclusions were agreed setting out a broad EU approach with suggestions for themes for consideration at the Summit. These include protection of natural resources, integrating environment and poverty eradication and making globalisation work for sustainable development. Council also agreed conclusions on a strategy for an integrated product policy, the overall aim of which is to reduce the environmental impact of products across their whole life cycle.
	The Commission briefly updated the Council on work on a number of forthcoming proposals, including its planned proposals on the labelling and traceability of GMOs, emphasising the difficult technical and legal implications of the proposals, which are still under consideration within the Commission. Commissioner Wallstrom also reported on developments in environmental relations with Russia.
	The Presidency informed the Council it would consider what progress could be made on the Directives on Public Participation in Environmental Decision-Making, Recreational Craft, Non-Road Mobile Machinery and the Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, before Belgium took over the EU Presidency in July.
	Over lunch, the Council discussed the Commission's Communication on an EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and a Presidency report on the integration of environmental considerations into other policy areas, in preparation for the Gothenburg European Council on 15–16 June.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Chief Inspector of Prisons

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the chief inspector of prisons.

Beverley Hughes: I have accepted an invitation from Sir David and will meet him and his team in the near future.
	I have also arranged to see Anne Owers, Sir David's successor, early in August, when she takes up her appointment.

Police Recruitment (Hertfordshire)

Claire Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase recruitment in the Hertfordshire constabulary.

John Denham: Under the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) recruitment initiative, Hertfordshire constabulary has been allocated a total of 107 additional officers, over and above the force's previous recruitment plans for the three years to March 2003.
	I know that the force has been experiencing difficulty in attracting recruits and was not able to recruit any of its CFF allocation in 2000–01. In recognition of these difficulties, the force has been allowed to defer its allocation from 2000–01 into 2001–02. The force will now be able to recruit up to 70 officers through the CFF in 2001–02.
	On 12 March my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary announced that he had agreed to the Police Negotiating Board's recommendation for new allowances for certain officers serving in a number of forces in the south-east. The affected officers are those appointed since 1 September 1994 and not in receipt of Housing Allowance. For such officers in Hertfordshire the new allowance is £2,000 per annum. It has been payable since 1 April 2001.
	All police forces, including Hertfordshire, also benefit from the national recruitment advertising campaign, which was launched in August 2000.

Police Numbers

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average number of police officers is per 10,000 population in (a) England and (b) Devon and Cornwall.

Bob Ainsworth: In 2000–01 there were 23.4 police officers per 10,000 population in England, and 18.7 officers per 10,000 population in Devon and Cornwall.

Police Numbers

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers.

John Denham: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the most recent police numbers on 28 June. On 31 March 2001, police numbers in England and Wales were 125,519. This is an increase of 1,349 over 31 March last year. It is a clear indication that the Crime Fighting Fund which is intended to deliver an additional 9,000 recruits over three years is taking effect .
	We expect that within the lifetime of this Parliament police strength will reach 130,000 officers.

Police Numbers

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report on police numbers in North Yorkshire.

John Denham: The Home Secretary announced the most recent police numbers on 28 June. At 31 March 2001, police numbers in North Yorkshire were 1,305. This is an increase of 22 over March 2000.

Police Numbers

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers and civilian staff were employed in each year since 1996 in Harrow.

John Denham: The information requested has been provided by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and is set out in the table.
	I am told by the Commissioner that he has increased the Budgeted Workforce Total for police officers in Harrow from 295 officers in 2000–01 to 311 for the current financial year.
	
		Metropolitan police—Harrow division
		
			 Year(10) Police officers(11) Civilian staff (11) 
		
		
			 December 1996 283 76 
			 December 1997 289 71 
			 December 1998 281 68 
			 December 1999 291 69 
			 December 2000 292 68 
			 May 2001 307 72 
		
	
	(10) Information for 1996 to 2000 is available only by calendar year
	(11) Figures are for full-time equivalent staff

Police Numbers

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the number of police (a) sergeants and (b) inspectors in England and Wales.

John Denham: The powers of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to decide on the number of police officers in each rank for each force were removed under the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994. It is for Chief Officers of Police to determine staffing levels for sergeants, inspectors and other ranks within the overall resources available.

Youth Crime

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for dealing with youth crime and disorder.

Keith Bradley: We have a wide agenda across Government concerned with tackling youth crime and disorder. We have introduced programmes which focus on the family; tackle deprivation; address truancy and school exclusion; deal with alcohol-related crime and disorder and under-age drinking; and address drug misuse among young people.
	We have also made improvements to the youth justice system. Tackling delays to speed up justice; expanding the powers available to the police and the courts, establishing new youth justice structures and intervention programmes. And we are continuing to bring in new measures and programmes to tackle youth offending.

Youth Crime

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the levels of juvenile crime.

Beverley Hughes: The Government have put in place a major programme of reforms to tackle youth offending. We have overhauled youth justice and introduced a wide range of prevention policies to stop young people becoming involved in crime.

Double Jeopardy

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to abolish the double jeopardy rule.

Keith Bradley: The Government's manifesto included a commitment to reform the double jeopardy rule in cases involving murder, and the Government will do so when parliamentary time allows.

Prisons (Rehabilitation)

Nick Palmer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to improve the record of prisons as institutions of effective rehabilitation.

Beverley Hughes: The Government are committed to ensuring the effective execution of the sentences of the courts so as to reduce reoffending and protect the public. The Prison Service, in conjunction with other criminal justice agencies, has a target of reducing the rate of reconvictions of all offenders punished by imprisonment or by community supervision by 5 per cent. by April 2004 compared to the predicted rate. The Service is investing an additional £31 million in the period 2001–02, £30 million in 2002–03 and £71 million in 2003–04, from the Spending Review 2000 on work on basic skills, drugs, offending behaviour programmes and resettlement to help achieve this objective.

Crime Prevention Partnerships

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of crime prevention partnerships.

John Denham: The local crime and disorder reduction partnerships, established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, ensure that the resources and commitment of local authorities and a wide range of other local organisations are harnessed to support the police in the fight against crime. This joint effort has helped secure the 10 per cent. reduction in crime measured by the British Crime Survey 2000.

Crime Prevention Partnerships

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is being given to crime and disorder partnerships to tackle drug-related crime.

John Denham: Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships are being provided with additional investment and guidance to disrupt local drugs markets, and tackle drug-related crime.
	Partnerships have been allocated a total of £50 million this year to tackle drugs problems, under the Communities Against Drugs initiative, and this will rise to £70 million in 2002–03 and £100 million in 2003–04. The Communities Against Drugs toolkit is available on the Crime Reduction website (www.crimereduction.gov.uk) and further written guidance is under preparation. Advice to partnerships is being provided by the Crime Reduction Directors and by the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service (DPAS) in the regions in England, and in Wales by the Crime Reduction Director and the Substance Misuse Intervention Branch.

Asylum Seekers

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that asylum seekers are able to work while awaiting determinations by the Home Office.

Angela Eagle: Under the terms of the employment concession, adult asylum seekers can apply for permission to work if their application has been outstanding for longer than six months without a decision being made on it. There are no immediate plans to alter the way the concession operates.

Asylum Seekers

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of applications for asylum have been refused since July 2000; and what percentage of those refused have (a) been deported and (b) otherwise left the country.

Angela Eagle: 80 per cent. of initial decisions made since July 2000 were to refuse asylum and exceptional leave to remain.
	There were over 8,900 asylum removals in the 12 months ending March 2001. It is not possible to identify how many of those removals related to initial decisions since July 2000, nor how many former asylum seekers leave the country without notifying the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).

Asylum Seekers

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the outcome of the review of the voucher scheme for asylum seekers.

Angela Eagle: We are considering the evidence and will announce our conclusions in due course.

Visible Policing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will visit a police station in Castle Point to discuss visible policing.

John Denham: I am keen to visit as many police forces as I can to hear the views of the police service and to see the work being done to reduce crime and to provide public reassurance. Although I do not currently have plans to visit Essex, I am always interested in discussing ways of making police officers more visible and accessible to the communities they serve.

Young Offenders (Secure Accommodation)

Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on plans for the provision of secure accommodation for young offenders in Wales.

Beverley Hughes: The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales commissions and purchases secure accommodation for remanded and sentenced young people. The Board aims to increase secure accommodation for male and female juvenile offenders in Wales, as part of its wider strategy to provide 400 more secure training centre places for England and Wales as a whole. A number of Welsh sites have been looked at but none has yet been selected for development.

County Police Forces

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on maintaining the identity of county police forces.

John Denham: We have no present plans to change the procedures in the Police Act 1996 for the alteration of police areas.
	We will consider on their merits any proposals from police authorities for amalgamations which might lead to more effective policing.
	We will continue to encourage Chief Officers and police authorities to take advantage of opportunities for collaboration between forces where this will help deliver best value.

Police Recruitment

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the level of police recruitment.

John Denham: Following the introduction of the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) in April 2000, there has already been a significant rise in police recruitment. Forces recruited 7,415 officers during the year to 31 March 2001, 64 per cent. more than the previous year.
	About 2,800 recruits were funded by the CFF in 2000–01. Forces will be able to recruit about 3,200 CFF officers this year and a further 3,000 in 2002–03.
	Given forces' recruitment plans and projections of wastage, we expect police strength to reach at least 128,000 officers by March 2002 and record numbers by March 2003.
	To help forces meet their recruitment targets the first National Recruitment Campaign was launched in August 2000.
	By 1 May 2001, the campaign had generated over 147,000 responses and over 30,000 expressions of interest had been forwarded to police forces. A further phase of the campaign is planned for the end of the summer.
	Bids covering a number of police force areas have proceeded to Stage Two of the bidding round of the Government's Starter Home Initiative under which £250 million will be made available over the next three years to help key workers purchase homes.
	We are reviewing entry requirements for the Police Service to ensure consistency across forces and a good supply of quality candidates.

Police Morale

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve police morale.

John Denham: There is no established direct method of measuring the level of morale in the police service.
	As part of the process of police reform the Government are determined to tackle those elements of police officers' working lives that can create frustration and detract from their ability to do their jobs in the way that they would wish.
	We are determined to reduce the burden of unnecessary bureaucracy.
	We are investing in technological support to help increase the effectiveness of the police in fighting crime and to ensure that officers are able to spend as much of their time as possible on the front line.
	An ambitious programme of work in police training has begun to raise professional standards for officers and support staff, and to achieve greater consistency nationally.
	We have turned a round the decline in police numbers that started under the last Government. Substantial Government investment in the police service is now delivering the positive results that we promised when the Crime Fighting Fund was launched in September 1999 and commenced in April 2000.
	Police numbers rose in the 12 months to March 2001 by 1,349 officers to 125,519—an increase of 1.1 per cent. This is the largest single annual increase in police numbers since 1988–89.
	We expect that within the lifetime of this Parliament police strength will reach 130,000 officers.

Police Morale

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the level of police morale in England and Wales.

John Denham: holding answer 25 June 2001
	There is no established direct method of measuring the level of morale in the police service.
	As part of the process of police reform the Government are determined to tackle those elements of police officers' working lives that can create frustration and detract from their ability to do their jobs in the way that they would wish.
	We are determined to reduce the burden of unnecessary bureaucracy.
	We are investing in technological support to help increase the effectiveness of the police in fighting crime and to ensure that officers are able to spend as much of their time as possible on the front line.
	An ambitious programme of work in police training has begun to raise professional standards for officers and support staff, and to achieve greater consistency nationally.
	We have turned around the decline in police numbers that started under the last Government. Substantial Government investment in the police service is now delivering the positive results that we promised when the Crime Fighting Fund was launched in September 1999 and commenced in April 2000.
	Police numbers rose in the 12 months to March 2001 by 1,349 officers to 125,519—an increase of 1.1 per cent. This is the largest single annual increase in police numbers since 1988–89.
	We intend that police numbers overall should continue to rise. We expect that within the lifetime of this Parliament police strength will reach 130,000 officers.

Police Complaints System

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the police complaints system.

John Denham: We will bring forward legislation in this Session, which will include provisions to establish a new police complaints system to replace the current system. The new system will mean a new body, the independent Police Complaints Commission, will replace the Police Complaints Authority. The Government published their plans for a new system in a framework document on 18 December last year, copies of which can be found in the Library.

Private Security Industry

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to begin the registration of private security industry staff as outlined in the Private Security Act 2001.

John Denham: The Private Security Industry Act 2001 provides for the establishment of a Security Industry Authority which will have responsibility for licensing individuals employed in designated sectors of the security industry; and approving companies.
	We aim to establish the authority as soon as possible. Once established, the authority will draw up its licensing criteria and institute a rolling programme of licensing. The relevant provisions of the Act will come into force by means of commencement orders when the authority is ready to begin its licensing operations.

Mobile Police Stations

Lawrie Quinn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report on the rural mobile police station initiative proposed for north Yorkshire.

Bob Ainsworth: I welcome the introduction of a mobile police office in north Yorkshire, which was launched on 29 May this year. It will give a high-visibility police presence in rural areas. The cost of the police office will be covered by a £186,000 grant from the Government's Targeted Policing Initiative.

Police Areas

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement about his proposals to ensure the police co-operate more effectively across force boundaries;
	(2)  what plans the Government have to amalgamate police forces in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: We have no present plans to change the procedures in the Police Act 1996 for the alteration of police areas.
	We will consider on their merits any proposals from Police Authorities for amalgamations which might lead to more effective policing.
	We will continue to encourage Police Authorities and Chief Officers to take advantage of opportunities for collaboration between forces where this will help achieve best value.
	We are already promoting the use of common equipment and methods through, for example, the support given to the countrywide adoption of Airwave and the roll-out of the National Intelligence Model. Work in hand as part of the police reform process will consider what more can be done to ensure cross-border working.

Travellers

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures the Government are taking to tackle antisocial behaviour by travellers; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: As I said in response to a question from the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) answered on 27 June 2001, Official Report, column 97W, the police and local authorities have powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to direct travellers or other trespassers to leave land when the appropriate statutory requirements are met. We have no plans to amend this legislation at present, although its effectiveness is kept under review. But the reduction of antisocial behaviour, by whoever it may be committed, is a prime objective of the Government, and our strategy for tackling it is set out in the Report of Policy Action Team 8 on AntiSocial Behaviour.

Unauthorised Traveller Encampments

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he offers to the police and local authorities on the removal of unauthorised traveller encampments, with special reference to nuisance to the general public; and if he will make inquiries into the persistence of a rave beginning on 22 June at Borough Hill, Daventry.

John Denham: Both the police and local authorities have powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to direct travellers or other trespassers to leave land when the appropriate statutory requirements are met. These are discretionary powers and it is the operational responsibility of the chief officer of the force concerned to decide when and how to enforce these powers.
	The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police informs me that about 1,000 people attended the illegal rave at Borough Hill, which began on Saturday 23 June and lasted until the afternoon of Monday 25 June. I understand that it was not considered practicable in the circumstances to bring the event to a conclusion before Monday. Police have since met with council officials to discuss the problems caused by this event and the strategies needed to be put in place to prevent any recurrence and have held a public meeting with residents to discuss the issues arising from the incident and to reassure them should anything similar happen in the future.

Victim Personal Statements

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implications for the administrative workload of the police of the introduction of victim personal statements.

John Denham: The police, and other criminal justice services, were closely involved in the design of the victim personal statement scheme, and every effort was made to keep the procedures as simple and straightforward as possible for victims and police alike. It is difficult to assess what additional administrative effort may be needed to run the scheme, since factors such as the level of take-up by victims and the nature and content of the statements made will clearly play a part. However, both the introduction of the scheme in October and its subsequent operation will be carefully monitored and evaluated.

Police Service

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his proposals for a more professional and effective police service.

John Denham: The police reform programme aims to deliver a modern police service providing the highest standards of detective capability, public reassurance, scientific and technical support, leadership, and modern working practices to secure reductions in crime and in the fear of crime. Discussions are continuing with representative police organisations to determine the best ways of delivering these goals.
	Police effectiveness will be supported by the continuation of the Best Value regime and by the new Standards Unit, for which I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 25 June 2001, Official Report, column 48W.

Immigration and Asylum Act

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Part III of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will be brought into effect.

Angela Eagle: The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 does not specify a date by which Part III has to be implemented. While it was not proposed to implement Part III before October 2001, the actual implementation date is currently under review and a final decision has yet to be taken.

Immigration and Asylum Act

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Orders have been issued under section 8(4)(d) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Angela Eagle: The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V Exemption: Educational Institutions and Health Sector Bodies) Order (SI 2001 No. 1403) and the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V Exemption: Eligible Voluntary Bodies and Relevant Employers) Order (SI 2001 No. 1393) have been made under section 84(4)(d) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Both Orders were laid before Parliament on 9 April 2001 and came into force on 30 April 2001.

Life Sentence Prisoners

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners serving life sentences have a whole life tariff.

Beverley Hughes: There are currently 23 people in custody in England and Wales serving life sentences who have a whole life tariff.

Hertsmere Borough Council

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to write to the hon. Member for Hertsmere following the meeting on 3 April between the hon. Member for Hertsmere, members of Hertsmere borough council and the former Minister of State for the Home Office, the hon. Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke).

John Denham: I wrote to the hon. Member on 22 June.

Coroner System

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to involve representatives of specialist non-governmental organisations in the review of the coroner system; and how he will ensure the participation of NGOs from Northern Ireland in the review.

Beverley Hughes: The review will need to take evidence from a wide range of relevant experts and representative bodies. To help with this, it is intended that the review should work with a reference group of appropriate organisations, including non-governmental organisations in Northern Ireland. These are matters which I propose to discuss with the review chair following the appointment which I hope to announce shortly.

Mr. Cemal Han

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make a decision on the citizenship application of Mr. Cemal Han of Keverne Close, Aspley, Nottingham.

Angela Eagle: I am pleased to say that our inquiries into Mr. Han's citizenship application have been completed and a decision reached. He has been advised of the outcome.

Re-offenders

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to ensure persistent re-offenders are processed quickly through the penal system.

Keith Bradley: The Government have introduced procedural reforms which were implemented in November 1999, which require that any person (with or without previous convictions) who is charged with an offence must be brought before a magistrates court without delay. As a result the average time from charge to first listing has fallen from 20 days in June 1999 to six days in March 2001. Further action is under way to speed up the progress of cases from their first appearance until completion.
	Under s.51 of the Crime and Disorder Act, which was brought into effect nationally on 15 January 2001, cases involving adults charged with indictable-only offences are no longer subject to committal proceedings but must be sent straight to the Crown court from a first appearance before the magistrates. Although no data are yet available, it is hoped that these serious cases will as a result be brought to trial more quickly.
	In addition, good progress has been made towards halving the time taken from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders: the national average fell from 142 days in 1996 to 83 days in March 2001.

Football (Disorder) Act

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will report on the operation to date of the Football (Disorder) Act 2000; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: A report on the working of the Act in the period 28 August 2000 to 11 June 2001 was laid before Parliament on Wednesday 20 June.

Sentencing

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the review of sentencing; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Bradley: I will publish the report of a review of the sentencing framework for England and Wales shortly.

Community Policing

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on community policing in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: My hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien) answered a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Benn) on 8 January 2001, Official Report, column 697. Effective policing depends on the community working together in partnership with the police to fight crime. Community beat officers can provide a vital link between the police and the local community.

Visitor Visas

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what publicity was given to the implementation of section 1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, with particular reference to the changes in the administration of visitor visas.

Angela Eagle: At the time of the implementation of section 1 of the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act, our diplomatic posts abroad were instructed to seek local publicity to advertise changes to the way entry clearance, which includes visit visas, was to be issued. Detailed guidance was also provided to all our diplomatic posts in the form of leaflets and posters which were to be displayed prominently in all visa sections. Leaflets were also produced for insertion into the passports of those applying for entry clearance.

Police Response Times

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) guidance and (b) targets he gives to police authorities for the time taken to respond to (i) 999 calls and (ii) other calls.

John Denham: Police authorities are not issued with national guidance or targets for responding to calls for assistance. Under best value, they should set local targets for answering 999 calls and for attending incidents requiring an immediate response. Police authorities report their performance against these targets at the end of each financial year in their annual policing/best value performance plans.

Special Advisers

Ann Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the special advisers in his Department together with their date of appointment and their responsibilities; which of them are authorised to speak to the media; and if he will make a statement.

David Blunkett: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The number of special advisers working for me has been increased by 0.5 of a full-time post compared with the number working for me in the pre-election period. This, as with the arrangements between 1997 and 2001, reflects the particular circumstances of my position and also the extent of written work associated with my present post. Nick Pearce, Katharine Raymond and Sophie Linden (part-time) took up their appointments as special advisers on 8 June. I am also appointing Huw Evans, who will join the Department shortly. As part of their duties they will brief the media as appropriate.
	With the transfer of the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit from the Cabinet Office, Keith Hellawell will be joining the Home Office on special adviser terms.

Drugs (Stafford)

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made for the evaluation of the drug treatment and testing pilot project at Stafford.

John Denham: The Home Office is at an advanced stage of negotiation with a research consultancy company to undertake the evaluation of the new drug-testing provisions in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. The evaluation will cover Stafford and the other two pilot sites of Nottingham and Hackney.

Investigatory Powers Tribunal

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made for the appointment of members of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal under section 65 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; and if he will make a statement.

David Blunkett: On 4 June 2001 Her Majesty appointed Sir John Pringle to serve as a Member of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal for a period of five years.

TREASURY

NIRS2

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the problems with the NIRS2 computer system to be resolved.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him and the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 409W.

NIRS2

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will estimate the total cost of the work that will be needed fully to rectify the problems with the NIRS2 computer system;
	(2)  if he will estimate the total cost of the work that has so far been carried out to rectify the problems with the NIRS2 computer system.

Dawn Primarolo: The delay in the implementation of NIRS2 caused arrears of work in both the Inland Revenue and the then Department of Social Security. These arrears are being managed through a recovery plan that has been developed by both Departments and continue to be cleared as quickly as possible.
	Estimated additional operational costs up to March 2001 are £40.4 million. It is not possible accurately to estimate the future costs until the backlog of cases has been cleared.

Child Care

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate his Department has made of the number of families with children up to (a) three years old and (b) five years old who are eligible to receive the childcare tax credit;
	(2)  how many families with children up to (a) three years old and (b) five years old (i) receive child benefit and (ii) are in receipt of the childcare tax credit; and what was the annual cost in the last year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: At November 2000, 50,000 families with a child up to three years old were receiving the childcare tax credit within Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Person's Tax Credit. The total extra payment to these families due to the childcare tax credit was £2.2 million per week. 85,000 families with a child up to five years old were receiving the childcare tax credit. The total extra payment to these families was £3.5 million per week.
	I understand from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Northern Ireland Department for Social Development that, at November 2000, 2.0 million families with a child up to three years old were receiving child benefit totalling £30.8 million per week, and 2.7 million families with a child up to five years old were receiving £45.6 million per week.

Credit Unions

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further action he is taking to establish a central support organisation for credit unions; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 14 March 2001, Official Report, column 654W.

Pensioners

Alan Hurst: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people of pensionable age lived in (a) England and Wales, (b) the county of Essex and (c) the boroughs of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea in each year from 1995 to 2000 inclusive.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Alan Hurst, dated 2 July 2001
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the number of people of pensionable age living in England and Wales, the County of Essex, and the Boroughs of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea in each year from 1995 to 2000 (inclusive). (1067)
	Attached is a table showing the information requested from mid-1995 to mid-1999, which is the most recent year for which a population estimate is available. The population estimate for mid-2000 will be available on the National Statistics website on 23 August 2001.
	
		Mid-year estimate of people of pensionable age in selected areas, mid-1995 to mid-1999
		
			  Thousand  
			  1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 
		
		
			 England and Wales 9,490.7 9,504.8 9,521.8 9,553.7 9,574.5 
			 County of Essex(12) 238.6 240.9 243.4 246.5 248.6 
			 Southend-on-Sea 37.1 36.6 36.5 36.2 36.2 
			 Thurrock 19.9 19.8 19.8 19.8 20.0 
		
	
	(12) Data for County of Essex are on a consistent basis for all years and do not include Southend and Thurrock. This reflects the local government reorganisation which took effect from 1 April 1998
	Note:
	Pensionable age is 60 years and over for women, 65 years and over for men
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics, Crown Copyright 2000

Hospices

Tony Worthington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what representations he has received from the hospice movement about the taxation it pays; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what changes would need to be made to the constitutional framework of hospices for them not to qualify for the payment of VAT.

Paul Boateng: The care services of a hospice are not chargeable with VAT. Charitable hospices benefit from a number of specific VAT reliefs on purchases which they make but, in accordance with the basic principles of VAT, they cannot recover VAT paid on purchases relating to the their VAT exempt or "non-business" activity. This issue was considered in response to representations from hospices and other charities during the recent Review of Charity Taxation.

Hospices

Tony Worthington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the liability of hospices for VAT; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Representations were received from hospices at the time of the review of charity taxation. The care services of a hospice are not chargeable with VAT. Charitable hospices benefit from a number of specific VAT reliefs on purchases they make but, in accordance with the basic principles of VAT, they cannot recover VAT paid on purchases relating to their VAT exempt or "non-business" activity.

Hospices

Tony Worthington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how much, and what proportion, of the income of hospices in each of the past 10 years is derived from (a) charitable giving and (b) Government sources;
	(2)  how much income he received in VAT receipts from hospices in each of the past 10 years;
	(3)  what calculation he has made of the amount of money that the hospice movement saves the National Health Service because of its fund-raising efforts.

Paul Boateng: Government Departments have no centrally gathered information available.

Pensions

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the total cost of tax relief on employers' contributions to pensions was in (a) 2000–01 and (b) 1999–2000;
	(2)  what was the cost of employers' tax relief on (a) defined benefit pension schemes in the public sector, (b) defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the private sector, (c) defined contribution schemes in the private sector and (d) group personal pension schemes, where made;
	(3)  what was the total cost of tax relief on employee contributions in 1999–2000 and 2000–01 to (a) defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the public sector, (b) defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the private sector, (c) defined contribution occupational pension schemes, (d) group personal pension plans, (e) additional voluntary contributions and (f) free-standing additional voluntary contributions at (i) the standard rate and (ii) the higher rate of tax;
	(4)  what the total cost of tax reliefs on pension contributions was in (a) 2000–01 and (b) 1999–2000.

Ruth Kelly: The information that is available and can be supplied without disproportionate cost is given in the table.
	
		£ million 
		
			 Cost of tax relief for: 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Total contributions to approved schemes 14,100 15,400 
			 Employers' contributions to occupational pension schemes 7,500 8,100 
			 Employers' contributions to personal pensions 450 460

VAT Theft

Paul Stinchcombe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue is estimated to be lost to the Treasury every year because of VAT theft.

Paul Boateng: There are no estimates relating specifically to the revenue lost every year because of VAT theft.

Climate Change Levy

David Maclean: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much VAT revenue he forecasts will be raised in the current financial year as a result of the introduction of the climate change levy and consequent application of VAT.

Paul Boateng: Business will be able to reclaim the majority of VAT paid on the Climate Change Levy (CCL). We estimate therefore that the introduction of the CCL might lead to additional VAT receipts of around £30 million, significantly below the £1 billion expected to be raised by the levy in the first year. All revenues from the CCL will be recycled back to business through a 0.3 percentage point cut in employers' national insurance contributions and additional support for energy-efficient measures and energy-saving technologies.

Aggregates Tax

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government plan to make separate provision for (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) England in respect of the application of the aggregates tax.

Paul Boateng: The Government currently have no such plans, although they will continue to assess the implications of the application of the aggregates levy.

Aggregates Tax

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the British Aggregates Association in connection with the impact of the aggregates tax.

Paul Boateng: The British Aggregates Association has made a number of representations on the aggregates levy.

Aggregates Tax

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the impact of the aggregates tax upon each local authority in the United Kingdom in respect of the cost of purchasing aggregates for construction and maintenance work;
	(2)  what impact the aggregates tax will have on actual costs to the end user;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the impact of the imposition of the aggregates tax from April 2002 on (a) the importation of aggregates, (b) the number of small quarries and (c) the use of road transport for transportation of aggregates.

Paul Boateng: Budget 2000 announced that the Government had decided to introduce an aggregates levy with effect from April 2002. It will be charged at £1.60 per tonne on the commercial exploitation of primary aggregates in the UK, including those imported from abroad. Aggregates exported from the UK will be exempt.
	A full Regulatory Impact Assessment was published at the time of Budget 2000.
	A higher price of primary aggregate will provide an incentive to all users, including the public sector, to make more efficient use of aggregates and better use of recycled aggregates as an alternative. The impact on the actual costs to the end user will be dependent on the commercial decisions of aggregates suppliers.

Euro

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the latest date is by which his Department will complete its assessment of the five economic tests for UK membership of the euro; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The Government have said that they will complete another assessment of the five tests within two years of the start of this Parliament.

Euro

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the technical work which is necessary before an assessment of the five economic tests for British entry into the euro is started; who will carry out this preliminary technical work in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The Government have said that they will complete another assessment of the five tests within two years of the start of this Parliament.
	Before any such assessment is started, the Treasury must continue to do the necessary preliminary work for the analysis—technical work that is necessary to allow the Treasury to undertake the assessment within two years as promised.

Euro

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the policy of his Department is on the reforms of the European Central Bank that would be needed before the UK could join the euro; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The determining factor underpinning any Government decision on membership of the single currency is the national economic interest and whether the economic case for joining is clear and unambiguous.

Financial Services Authority

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 26 June 2001, Official Report, column 59W, on the Financial Services Authority, for what reason it is inappropriate to comment during the investigation into the Independent Insurance Co.

Ruth Kelly: Any comment made on an investigation prior to its conclusion may well prejudice the investigation.
	It is not usual to comment on the conduct of an investigation until a decision has been made on whether to institute proceedings or not. This is both to protect the investigation and those who are the subject of it.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Corporal Anthony Green

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the outcome was of the investigation into the shooting of Corporal Anthony Green on 25 January.

Lewis Moonie: I have been asked to reply.
	The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) has retained jurisdiction over the investigation into the death of Corporal Anthony Green in Northern Ireland. The case was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution for Northern Ireland (the DPP) in May 2001 for direction on the possibility of any charges being made in relation to the incident.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts Funding (West Midlands)

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much support the Arts Council provided for projects within each west midlands local authority in each of the last three years.

Tessa Jowell: The Arts Council of England provides both grant in aid and Lottery funds to West Midlands Arts Board to act as the arts development and funding agency in the west midlands region. The table shows the allocation of grant in aid funding for arts organisations and individual artists within County, Metropolitan, Shire County and unitary authorities over the last three years (1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01). Figures for 2000–01 are a draft subject to final audited accounts to be published by West Midlands Arts in October 2001.
	
		West Midlands Arts funding to arts organisations and individual artists in west midlands local authorities
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1998–99  
			 West midlands metropolitan area  
			 Birmingham 1,861,451 
			 Coventry 679,750 
			 Dudley 13,085 
			 Sandwell 124,790 
			 Solihull 9,000 
			 Walsall 39,200 
			 Wolverhampton 96,170 
			  
			 Total metropolitan area 2,823,446 
			   
			 Shropshire county  
			 Bridgnorth 10,000 
			 Oswestry 3,070 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 54,180 
			 South Shropshire 150,455 
			 Telford and Wrekin 4,800 
			  
			 Total 222,505 
			   
			 Hereford and Worcestershire county  
			 Bromsgrove 4,500 
			 Hereford 113,749 
			 Malvern Hills 68,401 
			 Worcester 236,045 
			 Wychavon 12,000 
			 Wyre Forest 3,300 
			  
			 Total 437,995 
			   
			 Staffordshire  
			 Cannock Chase 7,000 
			 East Staffordshire 36,500 
			 Lichfield 18,800 
			 Newcastle under Lyme 519,688 
			 Stafford 42,875 
			 Stoke on Trent 44,310 
			 Tamworth 5,500 
			  
			 Total 674,673 
			   
			 Warwickshire  
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth 700 
			 Stratford upon Avon 4,731 
			 County 100,685 
			  
			 Total 106,116 
			   
			 Out of region 300 
			 Total shire counties 1,441,289 
			 Total metropolitan 2,823,446 
			 Regional 1,349,210 
			  
			 Total grant aid 5,614,245 
			   
			 1999–2000  
			 West midlands metropolitan area  
			 Metropolitan 76,480 
			 Birmingham 2,263,657 
			 Coventry 807,375 
			 Dudley 28,835 
			 Sandwell 122,960 
			 Solihull 20,655 
			 Walsall 199,418 
			 Wolverhampton 84,185 
			  
			 Total metropolitan area 3,603,565 
			   
			 Shropshire county  
			 Shropshire county 93,103 
			 Bridgnorth 11,225 
			 Oswestry 3,240 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 49,993 
			 South Shropshire 51,434 
			  
			 Total 208,995 
			   
			 Telford and Wrekin  
			 Telford and Wrekin 23,060 
			  
			 Total 23,060 
			 Herefordshire  
			 Herefordshire 129,875 
			  
			 Total 129,875 
			   
			 Worcestershire county  
			 Worcestershire county 198,000 
			 Bromsgrove 10,850 
			 Malvern Hills 19,150 
			 Worcester City 34,950 
			 Wychavon 9,202 
			 Wyre Forest 16,500 
			  
			 Total 288,652 
			   
			 Staffordshire  
			 Staffordshire 312,250 
			 Cannock Chase 4,655 
			 East Staffordshire 35,694 
			 Lichfield 16,285 
			 Newcastle under Lyme 15,605 
			 Stafford 3,950 
			 Tamworth 11,595 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands 16,400 
			 South Staffordshire 4,850 
			 North Staffordshire 2,850 
			  
			 Total 424,134 
			   
			 Stoke on Trent  
			 Stoke on Trent 307,540 
			  
			 Total 307,540 
			   
			 Warwickshire  
			 Warwickshire 52,500 
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth 11,240 
			 Stratford upon Avon 16,445 
			 Warwick 41,596 
			 Rugby 14,840 
			 North Warwickshire 3,000 
			  
			 Total 139,621 
			   
			 Total non metropolitan 1,521,877 
			 Total metropolitan 3,603,565 
			 Regional 1,419,603 
			  
			 Total grant aid 6,545,045 
			   
			 2000–01  
			 West midlands metropolitan area  
			 Metropolitan — 
			 Birmingham 5,223,600 
			 Coventry 874,287 
			 Dudley 42,477 
			 Sandwell 196,972 
			 Solihull 45,736 
			 Walsall 544,909 
			 Wolverhampton 134,071 
			  
			 Total metropolitan area 7,062,052 
			   
			 Shropshire county  
			 Shropshire county 81,115 
			 Bridgnorth 10,950 
			 Oswestry 160 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 35,213 
			 South Shropshire 155,581 
			  
			 Total 283,019 
			 Telford and Wrekin  
			 Telford and Wrekin 57,145 
			  
			 Total 57,145 
			   
			 Herefordshire  
			 Herefordshire 267,067 
			  
			 Total 267,067 
			   
			 Worcestershire county  
			 Worcestershire county 230,279 
			 Bromsgrove 7,858 
			 Malvern Hills 3,860 
			 Worcester City 39,413 
			 Wychavon 12,550 
			 Wyre Forest 4,000 
			  
			 Total 297,960 
			   
			 Staffordshire  
			 Staffordshire 38,869 
			 Cannock Chase 11,000 
			 East Staffordshire 57,724 
			 Lichfield 21,365 
			 Newcastle under Lyme 31,335 
			 Stafford 12,170 
			 Tamworth 15,100 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands 23,122 
			 South Staffordshire 9,500 
			 North Staffordshire — 
			  
			 Total 220,185 
			   
			 Stoke on Trent  
			 Stoke on Trent 578,070 
			  
			 Total 578,070 
			   
			 Warwickshire  
			 Warwickshire 100,482 
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth 25,165 
			 Stratford upon Avon 24,095 
			 Warwick 19,230 
			 Rugby 16,750 
			 North Warwickshire 6,001 
			  
			 Total 191,723 
			   
			 Total non metropolitan 1,895,168 
			 Total metropolitan 7,062,052 
			 Regional 934,838 
			  
			 Total grant aid 9,892,058 
		
	
	Notes:
	Grant-in-aid has been allocated, wherever possible, to the local authority benefiting from the grant; where a grant benefits more than one local authority the amount has been apportioned. Grants benefiting more than one local authority but which cannot be apportioned exactly between authorities are classified as County, Metropolitan Regional, or Shire County areas, or Regional grants as appropriate.
	Allocation by local authority has a wider benefit as audiences and participants are often drawn from several counties, both within and outside the west midlands region.

Wembley Stadium

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the future of Wembley Stadium.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 June 2001, Official Report, column 37W, to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall).

Lottery Funding (Films)

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list those films which have received National Lottery funding to date indicating (a) how much National Lottery funding they received, (b) their total budgets and (c) their box office takings.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Details of box office receipts are not kept separately as they are only one form of income for film, and change as films are released in new territories and re-released. I have today placed the information requested in respect of Lottery awards made in England and Wales in the Library of the House. I will write to the hon. Member in due course about awards made in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Archaeological Sites and Monuments

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to place a statutory duty on local authorities to maintain records of archaeological sites and monuments.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	I have no such plans. The Government are, however, giving constructive consideration to the recommendation made by English Heritage in its report "Power of Place" that Historic Environment Record Centres should be established, and that electronic access to such records should be made widely available.

English Heritage

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to introduce legislation to permit English Heritage to undertake overseas assignments.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The Government remain fully committed to enabling English Heritage to undertake overseas assignments. There are always great demands on parliamentary time, but we will seek to implement appropriate measures at the earliest opportunity.

Live Entertainment Licences

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to reform the law governing the licensing of live entertainment.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Our proposals for reforming the alcohol and public entertainment licensing laws were published in the White Paper "Time for Reform" (Cm 4696) in April last year. In May this year, following a public consultation, the Government confirmed their intention to legislate to introduce these proposed reforms, with one change concerning the procedure for appealing against adverse licensing decisions. We remain fully committed to bringing forward legislation to reform the alcohol and public entertainment licensing laws as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Analogue Television

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the timetable for the proposed switch-off of analogue television.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The Government will maintain analogue terrestrial broadcasts until everyone who can currently receive the main public service broadcasting channels in analogue form can receive them on digital systems, switching to digital is an affordable option for the vast majority of people, and, as a target indicator of affordability, 95 per cent. of consumers have access to digital equipment. We are committed to develop a strategic plan which will lead the UK to meet these criteria on affordability, availability and accessibility within the period 2006 and 2010.

School Sports Co-ordinators

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list those schools which have to date benefited from the work of school sports coordinators.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The schools which have school sports co-ordinators are:
	Phase 1
	Stockwell Park School
	Archbishop Tennison's CE School
	Charles Edward Brooke CE School
	London Nautical School
	Ashton on Mersey School
	Stretford High School
	Lostock High School
	Broadoak High School
	Moorside High School
	All Hallows R.C. High School
	Boston Spa Comprehensive School
	Wetherby High School
	John Smeaton Community High School
	Agnes Stewart C. of E. High School
	Lawnswood High School
	West Oaks Special School
	St. Johns School for the Deaf
	Falmouth Community School
	Camborne School and Community College
	Humphry Davy School
	Mounts Bay School
	Cape Cornwall School
	Pool School and Community College
	Redruth Community School
	Bodmin Community College
	Treviglas Community College
	The Roseland Community School
	Newquay Tretherras School
	Liskeard School and Community College
	Launceston College
	Looe Community School
	Sir James Smith's Community School
	St. Joseph's R.C. High School and Sports College
	Withins School
	Thornleigh Salesian College
	Firwood SLD
	St. Brendans R.C. Primary School
	Brookfield High School
	Halewood Community School
	St. Edmunds of Canterbury
	Prescot School
	All Saints High School
	Manor School and Sports College
	Holgate Comprehensive
	Meded Comprehensive
	Dukeries Community College
	Tuxford Comprehensive School
	Rawmarsh Sports College
	Wath Comprehensive
	Swinton Comprehensive
	Pope Pius Comprehensive
	Wingfield Comprehensive
	Lancaster School
	Moat Community College
	Fullhurst Community College
	Riverside Community College
	Ellesmere College
	Wright Robinson Sports College
	St. Peters R.C. High School
	Varna Street Primary School
	Cedar Mount School
	William Parker School
	Fisham Valley
	Grove
	Helenswood
	William Parker
	Hillcrest
	Saxon Mount
	King James Community School
	Wolsingham Comprehensive
	Parkside Comprehensive
	Bishop Barrington Comprehensive
	St. Johns R.C. Comprehensive
	Benfield School
	Denton Park Middle School
	Chevyside Middle School
	Chapel Park Middle School
	Firfield/West Denton Amalgamation School
	West Gate Community College
	Archbishop Beck Catholic High School
	Childwall CC School
	Shorefields CC School
	Bellerive R.C. High School
	Langdon School
	St. Angela's R.C. School
	St. Bonaventure's R.C. School
	Forest Community School
	Brampton Manor School
	St. Marys Catholic Comprehensive School
	Green Meadows Special School
	Guiseley School
	Horsforth School
	Prince Henry's Grammar School
	Birmingham Education Services
	Waverley
	Hodge Hill Mixed
	St. Albans
	Saltley
	James Brindley
	Yardley
	Hodge Hill Girls
	Bordsley Green Girls
	St. Paul's Community
	Aston Manor
	St. Pauls Girls
	Handsworth Girls School
	King Edwards Handsworth Girls
	Mayfield Special School
	Holte School
	Holyhead School
	St. John Wall
	Southfields Community College
	Ernest Bevin College
	Elliot School
	Graveney School
	Burntwood School
	Battersea Technology College
	ADT
	Manor High School
	Woodensborough High School
	Menzies High School
	Stuart Bathurst R.C. High School
	St. Michaels High School
	Tividale High School
	Abraham Guest Sports College
	Bedford High School
	West Leigh High School
	Mornington High School
	Rose Bridge High School
	Northfield School
	Abbey Hill School
	Bishopgarth School
	Blakeston School
	The Norton School
	Alfred Barrow
	Park View
	St. Bernard's R.C.
	Thorncliffe
	Walney
	Dowdales
	Millom
	Wyndham
	Ehenside
	Whitehaven, St. Benedicts
	Southfield Technology College
	St. Joseph's R.C. High
	Stainburn
	Netherhall
	Solway Community
	Beacon Hill
	Biddick Sports College
	Hylton Red House Comprehensive
	Pennywell
	Felstead Special Educational Needs School
	Moreton Community School
	The Northicote
	Our Lady and St. Chad R.C.
	Pendeford High School
	Penn Hall Special School
	Phase 2
	Alumwell School
	Brownhills School
	Blue Coat Church of England
	Sneyd Community School
	The Coseley School
	The Pensnett School of Technology
	Hillcrest School and Community College
	Redhill School
	Peters Hill Primary School
	Whickham Sports College
	Hookergate School
	Joseph Swan School
	Ryton Comprehensive School
	St. Edmund Campion R.C School
	The Cedars School
	St. Wilfrids Catholic High School
	Savio Catholic High School
	Bootle High School
	Manor High School
	Chesterfield High School
	Laurence Jackson School
	Freebrough College from merger of De Brus, Rosecroft, Warsett
	Huntcliff School
	Kilton Thorpe School
	Wyvern Community School
	Broadoak Community School
	Priory Community School
	Worle Community School
	Churchill Community School
	Gordano Community School
	Failsworth School
	Breezehill
	Grange
	The Hathershaw Technology College
	Kaskenmoor School
	Radclyffe School
	St. Benedict's Catholic College
	Cheltenham Bournside School
	Balcarras School
	Cheltenham Kingsmead School
	Pittville School
	Pates Grammer School
	Bettridge
	Belmont School
	King Edward VII School
	The Park High School
	Springwood High School
	St. Clements High School
	Marshland High School
	Angley School-a sports college
	The Astor of Hever School
	Cranbrook School
	Homewood School
	Tunbridge Wells High School
	Sacred Heart School
	St. Saviours and St. Olaves School
	Aylwin Girls School
	Brookway High School and Sports College
	Parklands School
	St. Pauls R.C. High School
	Newall Green School
	Piper Hill School
	Tong School
	Yorkshire Martyrs
	The Grange School
	Bradford Cathedral Community College
	Buttershaw High School
	Dorothy Stringer High School
	Patcham High School
	Portslade Community College
	Falmer School.

School Sports Co-ordinators

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many school sports co-ordinators have been appointed; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Under Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme, 195 co-ordinators in 48 partnerships of schools are currently in place. When Phase 3 starts in September this year there will be 345 co-ordinators in 78 partnerships in place.

School Sports Co-ordinators

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the annual budget of the schools sports co-ordinator programme; and what has been the expenditure to date.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	There is no set annual budget for the programme. Sport England has allocated £30 million and the New Opportunities Fund £25.5 million of National Lottery money to the scheme. Sport England's grant in aid allocation for the years 2001–02 to 2003–04 includes a total of £60 million of additional funding earmarked specifically for the scheme in order to ensure that there are 1,000 co-ordinators in place by 2004. So far Sport England has committed a total of £13.60 million of Lottery funding to Phases 1 and 2.

UK Sports Institute

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the UK Sports Institute.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Good progress is being made in the establishment of facilities and delivery of services to our top athletes. Centres in Scotland and Wales are now operational; the English Institute is developing apace and work on the Northern Ireland Institute will begin soon.
	The UKSI is beginning to provide our best sportsmen and women with world-class facilities and a higher standard of co-ordinated support services than the UK has ever had before. This will complement the support already being provided through World Class funding.
	The Government remain committed to the development of the United Kingdom Sports Institute (UKSI), which should be fully operational by the end of 2002.

Digital Television

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure platform diversity for the delivery of digital television services.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The Government have set out in their White Paper "A New Future for Communications" their proposals for the sector, including how to ensure a competitive environment for the delivery of digital television services across platforms and the availability of public service channels on all main platforms.

Ealing Studios

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the future of Ealing Studios.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	The Ealing Film Studios are privately owned and future ownership is therefore a commercial matter. Nonetheless, the Government welcome the fact that the studios, which are an important part of our film heritage, are to undergo a £50 million refit.

Licensing Laws

Eric Illsley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to introduce legislation to reform the liquor licensing laws.

Kim Howells: We remain fully committed to bringing forward legislation to reform the alcohol and public entertainment licensing laws as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Commonwealth Games

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library copies of the correspondence received by her Department from Sport England about the funding of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester 2002.

Richard Caborn: My Department regularly discusses issues of sports policy with Sport England and these discussions—including exchanges of correspondence—are carried out on the understanding that they are in confidence and will not be divulged.

Commonwealth Games

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what advice she has received about the proposed funding of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of the adequacy of funding arrangements for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester;
	(3)  what representations she has received from Manchester 2002 Ltd. and Manchester City Council about the funding of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement about the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Tessa Jowell: The Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 will be the biggest multi-sport event ever held in the United Kingdom. They will leave a lasting sporting, economic and social legacy.
	The Minister of State, Cabinet Office explained, in evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on 20 March 2001, that Manchester City Council, with the Government, had arranged a review of the finances and organisation of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next year as a build up to the Games moves from the planning to the implementation phase.
	Following the review, conscious of the benefits the Games will bring to the nation as a whole, the Government have agreed to provide from existing resources up to £30 million to support the Games. Sport England has agreed to provide up to £30 million to support the Games' costs in addition to its existing contribution to capital facilities, and Manchester City Council will make available a further £35 million. £25 million of these funds will be held jointly by the three parties as a contingency fund. This support is additional to the £10.5 million which the Government have already made available towards the costs of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Commonwealth Games, and marks the full extent of the financial support that the Government are prepared to make available.
	The Government consider that this package should give the Games' organisation sufficient certainty to deliver the Games. Manchester City Council continues to retain ultimate financial responsibility for the Games.
	Discussions continue about the make up and timing of the package of financial support. The Government, Manchester City Council and Sport England will working with the Games' organisers so strengthen the management arrangements for the control of expenditure.

Athletics Stadium

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects Sport England to make a further announcement about the feasibility of a new national athletics stadium at Picketts Lock.

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the plans for staging the World Athletics Championships in 2005.

Tessa Jowell: Sport England have concluded that they are not able yet to provide lottery funding to develop the Lee Valley National Athletics Centre and have asked Patrick Carter, who is conducting the review of the national stadium project, to carry out a separate review of the project with the following terms of reference:
	"In the light of the Government's manifesto commitment to ensure that a first-class athletics stadium is available for the World Athletics Championships in 2005, to assess whether the Lee Valley National Athletics Centre project can be funded and managed in its current format and if not, what alternatives might be feasible. The review should report its findings within seven weeks."

Picketts Lock

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects the athletics facility at Picketts Lock to be completed; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 June 2001
	Sport England have concluded that they are not able yet to provide lottery funding to develop the Lee Valley National Athletics Centre and have asked Patrick Carter, who is conducting the review of the national stadium project, to carry out a separate review of the project with the following terms of reference:
	"In the light of the Government's manifesto commitment to ensure that a first-class athletics stadium is available for the World Athletics Championships in 2005, to assess whether the Lee Valley National Athletics Centre project can be funded and managed in its current format and if not, what alternatives might be feasible. The review should report its findings within seven weeks."

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Regional Government

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to publish a White Paper on regional governance.

John Prescott: Our manifesto committed us to making provision for directly elected regional government in regions where people decide in a referendum to support it and where predominantly unitary local government is established. The Prime Minister has asked me to be responsible for a White Paper on Regional Governance, in close liaison with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and in co-operation with other Cabinet colleagues. I will present the White Paper to Parliament as soon as it is ready.

Lord Ashcroft

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what date his Department received a request for documents under the Data Protection Act 1998 from Lord Ashcroft; and on what date his Department replied to the request.

Christopher Leslie: Under the non-disclosure provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 it is not appropriate to disclose personal data except to the individual concerned.